An unusual scene unfolded on Monday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. While all are focused on the trade news and the Yankees vs. Rays game, Josh Donaldson, who had been on the injured list for over two weeks due to a calf tear and was moved to the 60-day injured list, surprised everyone by coming out of the dugout to engage in some light jogging in the outfield, field ground balls, and take batting practice.
Despite not being able to return from the injured list until September 15, which is still more than six weeks away, Josh Donaldson expressed that he was feeling “better than anticipated.”
“I was just told that I was going on the 60,” he said. “I don’t make those decisions, but I feel good with where I’m at right now. I feel really good right now, compared to what the initial results were.”
The situation raised the question of whether Josh Donaldson had resisted being placed on the 60-day IL, a decision that was made public on July 20, just five days after he got injured.
Josh Donaldson not in sync with his injury decision
Josh Donaldson clarified that he was not part of the decision-making process when he was placed on the 60-day IL. He mentioned that he was informed about the move but wasn’t involved in any discussions regarding it.
Josh Donaldson expressed the desire to be on the field and support his teammates whenever possible. However, he emphasized that he didn’t have control over such decisions. Nonetheless, he feels optimistic about his current condition.
“I think as a competitor, you want to be out there helping your teammates as often as you can. But I don’t make those decisions. But I feel good where I’m at right now.”
The 38-year-old had been struggling at the plate with a .142 batting average and a .659 OPS in 33 games. Despite his challenges, he expressed his desire to return to action this season, though it remains uncertain whether that will come to fruition.
Should his return not materialize, Josh Donaldson’s time as a Yankee might have come to an end, as the team is not anticipated to exercise his option for the upcoming season. Shortly after sustaining the injury, he revealed that medical professionals diagnosed it as either a grade 2-plus or grade 3 calf strain.
Manager Aaron Boone provided a positive update on Josh Donaldson, mentioning that he was progressing well and moving around with good mobility despite the significant strain he suffered.
Josh Donaldson’s pregame batting practice was full and without interruptions. But what he said raised many questions about the Yankees’ decision making process.
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This team is not a team. They are a joke. Can’t watch. Too painful. Stanton guaranteed to hit into a double play when there are runners in scoring position and one out. Guaranteed. Running errors… the kind little leaguers learn to NOT do. Pitching inconsistencies. Questionable management decisions…. E V E R Y game! Swings that would embarrass your grandmother. UGH! And the pay structure? Unreal.