Josh Donaldson Placed on DL After Shoulder Injury Diagnosed as Inflammation

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson has been placed on the disabled list after his shoulder injury was diagnosed as right shoulder inflammation. 

The team announced the move on Friday:

The third baseman suffered a calf injury in 2017 and appeared in just 113 contests but played more than 150 games each season from 2013 to 2016. Toronto needs him healthy and in the lineup considering he was the 2015 American League MVP and is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger.

Donaldson showed off his power last year with 33 long balls and has followed that up with a .239/.352/.808 slash line with three home runs, one double and nine RBI in 12 games in 2018.

Fortunately for the Blue Jays, they still have Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz to play third base if Donaldson misses any time. They are each versatile enough to play all over the infield, so Toronto still has the option to mix and match lineups on a daily basis.

While Solarte and Diaz can handle third base in the short term, the Blue Jays are much more dangerous if Donaldson is healthy and in the lineup. They need him back as they look to challenge for an American League East crown.