Minnesota Twins Donaldson day-to-day with a calf injury

Josh Donaldson was the Minnesota Twins’ big free agent signing over the offseason, but he’s going to miss time with calf tightness.

Third baseman Josh Donaldson of the Minnesota Twins exited Friday night’s game against Cleveland, with tightness in his right calf. He hit a single in the first inning and played in the field during the first and second innings, but Ehire Adrianza pinch-hit for Donaldson in the bottom of the second.

Donaldson’s injury comes amidst a slow start to his Minnesota Twins season, that has seen him go a disappointing 4-22 with a home run with two runs batted in. The Twins signed Donaldson in January, to a four-year deal worth $92 million. The contract also carries an option for a fifth year that would raise the total to $100 million.

Manager Rocco Baldelli, after speaking with the team’s trainers, believes that the injury is not serious and should not be considered a long-term issue. Donaldson was scratched from the Minnesota Twins lineup Sunday for a second straight game against Cleveland, but should not miss much additional time as a result of the injury.

Donaldson has experienced calf distress in the past. Donaldson suffered a right calf strain in 2017, while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. He was placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 13 of that year and would ultimately miss 38 games. He still had a productive season in 2017, batting .270 with 33 home runs.

Donaldson had an injury-plagued 2018 season with the Blue Jays. He first missed nearly a month because of a sore shoulder, and then a left calf strain sidelined him from May 29 to Sept. 10. He was traded from Toronto to Cleveland during his recovery and returned in time to appear in the playoffs.

During Donaldson’s absence, the Minnesota Twins have deployed Marwin Gonzalez at third base, and in two games he is hitting .333. Donaldson has not been placed on the injured list and his status is day-to-day.