Josh Donaldson, a 12-year MLB veteran’s tenure with the New York Yankees will go down as the worst in the club’s recent history. He was traded off from the Minnesota Twins in 2021 owing to his red-hot performance. However, the veteran’s MVP-level performance failed to translate in the Bronx, as the infielder failed miserably in the pinstripes.
In an injury-plagued season, Josh Donaldson could only hit .142 in 35 games with 10 homers in 105 at-bats. He spent most of his time on the injury list with a hamstring injury and then a calf injury. Moreover, the pressure from the crowd to cut off the veteran was gaining momentum as the Yankees succumbed to it. However, a change of scenery has apparently worked like magic for Josh.
Ex-Yankee Josh Donaldson Hits Homer In Brewers Win Vs. Marlins
Josh Donaldson got on Yankees fans’ nerves during his final moments with the team. He played only 35 games this year with a mediocre batting average of .142. Moreover, recurring injuries continued to play spoilsport. At last, the Bombers had it enough as they cut off the struggling veteran last month. Donaldson was immediately released during the last couple of weeks of August to make roster space for the incoming veterans. He was batting a calf injury at the moment, yet managed to grab a contract. The infielder signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in a minor league deal. Having said that, with the kind of resume Josh possesses, a promotion was just around the corner.
Josh Donaldson's first home run as a Brewer! pic.twitter.com/XHV6EtLRCj
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 13, 2023
Josh Donaldson made his debut for the Brewers against the Miami Marlins. While he contributed an RBI on debut, the infielder backed it up with a home run in a 3-1 win vs. Marlins. It seems a change in scenery worked wonders for the baseman. “I felt like the numbers for my season didn’t probably justify what I was doing,” said Donaldson. He added that while he struggled early on with the strikeouts, he was trying to cut it down gradually. But with 120 plate appearance, Donaldson did not have much to suggest. Having said that, the infielder is happy to receive an opportunity to play. He was apparently contacted by multiple franchises to know his stand. The veteran felt he had something left to offer to the game, at least for this season.
Yankees Ditch Last Spot In AL-East After Months!
On a positive note, the New York Yankees reentered the .500 club after a terrific doubleheader sweep against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. With 73-72, the Bombers are now tied with the Red Sox for the fourth spot in the American League East division. It’s the first time in over two months that the team was able to ditch the last spot.
However, it proved to be too late, as the New York Yankees were officially knocked out of the playoff race following the Baltimore Orioles’ win against the St.Louis Cardinals. Mathematically, the Bombers stand no chance. Having said that, it was long overdue. The team has been mediocre at best this season and would want to get done with it as soon as possible.