Veteran third baseman Josh Donaldson’s trade will likely do down as one of the worst exchanges under New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s tenure. Since coming to the Bronx, he has failed to add any value, offensively or defensively. On top of that, incessant injuries have further added to his misery. It’s not like Donaldson has been this bad all along.
The baseman has a career average of .262 with .849 OPS. Maybe thriving in pinstripes wasn’t meant to be. Meanwhile, Josh Donaldson has once again landed on the sidelines due to a calf injury. The early prognosis has put his future participation in the season into jeopardy. Moreover, the Yankee’s latest roster move has further indicated that the baseman’s time in New York may be over and done.
Yankees Transfer Injured Josh Donaldson To 60-Day IL
New York Yankees veteran third baseman Josh Donaldson pulled up his calf muscle while fielding against the Rockies last week. The doctors have termed it a Grade 3 pull which indicates a tear, as per Donaldson. The baseman hinted that he might not be able to return this season if the issue persists. Initially, the Bombers put him on a 10-day IL but on Thursday, they transferred him to 60-day IL. The move allows the team to free up a spot on the 40-man roster while also giving Donaldson ample time to recover fully from his injury and regain his form before potentially returning to action.
In response to the roster move, the Yankees have added right-handed pitcher Matt Bowman to the 40-man roster. Matt Bowman signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees this off-season. However, recently, rumors flared up that he is mulling opting out of the contract, which gave the Yanks 72 hours to determine whether to keep him or release him from the roster. It seems like the team arrived at a consensus. On Thursday, the Yanks announced that they had selected Matt Bowman to add to the 40-man roster and immediately optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Bowman is a seasoned reliever with notable experience in the major leagues. While his imminent promotion to the Yankees roster looks unlikely, things can change. His addition to the 40-man roster could provide the team with additional bullpen depth and flexibility as they navigate through the remainder of the season.
Is It The End For Josh Donaldson In New York?
Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson, who pulled up his calf injury, is unsure of his return this season. The calf injury is likely a tear that could take months to heal. Moreover, his recent IL stint will allow him to return in mid-September. Also, looking at the Bombers’ current run, they are unlikely to make it to the postseason in October, provided a miraculous turnaround. Hence, all indicators suggest that Josh Donaldson might have already played his last game for the Yankees.
Josh Donaldson is set to hit free agency next season. Moreover, he was earlier quoted saying that he is unsure of playing next season as he will be turning 38. What does it mean for Yanks? Well, they would be mostly relieved. Donaldson was eating up a place of a prospect like Oswald Peraza and doing too little to live up to the high payroll. His departure will prompt Yanks to free up monetary space and also a roster space.