Hip injury keeps Donaldson out of lineup
Blue Jays hope reigning AL MVP benefits from rest, expect 3B to return for finale
TORONTO -- Josh Donaldson was held out of the Blue Jays' lineup for a second consecutive game against the Rays on Tuesday. Manager John Gibbons said Donaldson had his right hip flare up in Sunday's loss to the Red Sox.
"He jarred his right hip the other day when he hit first base, so it's pretty tender," Gibbons said.
Gibbons hopes Donaldson will be good to go for Wednesday's series finale.
The reigning American League MVP has gone hitless in his last 23 at-bats, which is his longest hitless streak since joining the Blue Jays.
The 30-year-old has dealt with several nagging injuries this season -- including a jammed right thumb, which caused him to miss a handful of games -- but Donaldson has still played in 138 of a possible 144 games this year.
From 2013-15, Donaldson played in 474 of a possible 486 games and has been among baseball's most durable players.
"They could all use [a day off] every now and then, but he's a mentally strong guy anyway," Gibbons said. "You get some guys in the business who are a little more fragile than he is. He's not one of those guys. His mindset is to grind it out. ... I think it always benefits everybody, but I don't think he needs that."
Darwin Barney started for a second straight game at third base in place of Donaldson. Barney went 0-for-2 in Monday's 3-2 win.
José Bautista moved up in the lineup to assume Donaldson's No. 2 spot in the order against left-hander Drew Smyly, after Michael Saunders occupied the position on Monday against right-hander Jake Odorizzi.
"It makes sense with a lefty going, and then when Donaldson comes back we'll go right back to our normal lineup," Gibbons said.
Bautista enters play Tuesday riding a 20-game on-base streak and finished 1-for-4 with a two-run home run on Monday.