ANAHEIM -- Josh Donaldson made his return to third base on Saturday night for the first time since he missed a recent three-game series vs. the Rays because of a hip injury.
Donaldson got the start at designated hitter during Toronto's first two games against the Angels but has since improved enough to allow a return to the field. The move allowed the Blue Jays to provide a little bit of rest to Edwin Encarnacion, who started at DH, while Justin Smoak entered the lineup at first base.
Donaldson underwent an MRI earlier this week but the results were not publicly revealed by the club.
"I talked to him yesterday about one more day at DH and then he'd be good to go today," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Saturday afternoon. "Eddie needs a day too, and [Jose] Bautista."
Quick hitters
• Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin was in the lineup for Saturday night's game against the Angels despite twisting his ankle while rounding first base the night before. Martin doubled in the top of the ninth inning and rolled his ankle on his way to second base. Gibbons downplayed the minor ailment: "I don't know what it is, but it's not a big deal," Gibbons said.
• Utility infielder Darwin Barney does not appear to be showing any ill effects from collision he had at second base during Friday's 5-0 victory over the Angels. Barney was picked off in the top of the third inning and while sliding into second, his head slammed into the knee of shortstop Andrelton Simmons. That created some concerns about a possible concussion, but he appears to be fine and was available to come off the bench on Saturday.