Donaldson unfazed after taking pitch to head: 'It's part of the game'

Just under 24 hours after being drilled in the face by a Kelvin Herrera changeup, Josh Donaldson isn't too shaken up about the scary incident.

The 86.8-mph pitch was less than an inch from possibly sidelining the reigning American League MVP for a lengthy period of time, and though the third baseman's ear flap bore the brunt of the impact, Donaldson is just happy to escape without a concussion and with his face still intact.

"It could have been a lot worse," he told reports Saturday, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling. "I'm thankful that it's not."

While the All-Star infielder looked visibly upset as he made his way to first base, he isn't holding any grudges with Herrera for the high and inside throw.

"It's part of the game ... I don't think he was trying to do it intentionally by any means," Donaldson said, according to Zwelling.

Donaldson will start Saturday at third base against the Royals.