BOSTON -- The calf issues that periodically plagued Josh Donaldson over the last couple of years have returned, but the Blue Jays' star third baseman does not believe he will require a stint on the disabled list.
Donaldson left Monday afternoon's 8-3 loss to the Red Sox in the top of the fifth inning because of left calf tightness. It's a similar concern to a cramping issue that caused him problems in Spring Training, but different than a calf strain last year that impacted his right leg.
The 32-year-old admitted there is a good chance he will miss Tuesday night's game at Fenway Park, but he pretty strongly ruled out the possibility that this injury could lead to a prolonged absence from the Blue Jays' lineup.
"I don't think I injured it seriously at all," Donaldson said. "It's a little sore right now. Still a little tight. We'll do some treatment and stuff on it. Play it by ear, see how it responds tomorrow and go from there."
Donaldson drew a one-out walk vs. lefty David Price in the fifth and later appeared to be noticeably hobbled while running to third after a double by Justin Smoak. Donaldson jogged around second and eased into third before a Blue Jays trainer ran onto the field. That caused some speculation that he was hurt on the play, but Donaldson conceded it was an issue earlier in the game as well.
Last year, Donaldson missed approximately six weeks with right calf issue. It was a relatively minor issue this spring, but it's impossible to say how long he was out for because he also missed a period of time with a shoulder injury that happened around the same time. Either way, the Blue Jays do not think this will be a long-term problem and for now he is considered day to day.
Toronto is expected to start Yangervis Solarte at third base during Donaldson's absence, while Devon Travis should see more playing time at second base. If Donaldson is required to start at designated hitter upon his return, then Kendrys Morales would be held out of the lineup. Donaldson, who reached in all three of his plate appearances on Monday, is batting .234 with a .756 OPS in 36 games this season. He also has five home runs and 11 doubles with 16 RBIs.
"We're just going to see how it responds tomorrow," Donaldson said. "We've done a few things already, it feels a little bit better than when I initially came out of the game. We have a bit of a longer stretch with a night game tomorrow. My guess is they will probably give me at least a day. If I feel great tomorrow, we'll see what happens."