Why Donaldson did not pinch hit? He's injured, now on DL

By Andrew Hendriks
Canadian Baseballl Network

Telegraphed by the fact that he was seemingly unavailable to pinch hit with a runner on in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s 5-3 loss to the Orioles, Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson was formally placed on the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation ahead of the team’s series opener in Cleveland on Friday.

In a corresponding move, right-handed hitting outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was recalled from triple-A Buffalo. 

Having noticably battled shoulder issues since the second week of spring training, Donaldson had slashed .239/.342/.487 with three home runs over 12 games prior to his transition off the active roster. 

Retroactive to April 11th, two-time Silver Slugger will be eligible to return to duty when the Blue Jays square off against the Yankees on April 21st in the Bronx. 

In four games with the Bisons, Hernandez has gone 5-for-18 (.278) with a double, two home runs and a pair of stolen bases. 

Acquired as part deal that sent left-handed hurler Francisco Liriano to the eventual World Series Champion Houston Astros at 2017’s July 31st trade deadline, the 25-year-old product of Cotui, D.R. hit .261 with eight home runs over 26 games with Toronto last September. 


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