Gibbons defuses Donaldson dugout scuffle

To no one's surprise, John Gibbons has his player's back.

Back on Aug. 21, 2006, the Toronto Blue Jays' manager got into it with pitcher Ted Lilly to the point where they had to be separated in the dugout. A few days later, the two running partners brushed it off and went jogging together.

Related: Donaldson says dustup with Gibbons was over cologne

Fast forward to 2016, and a similar scenario appeared to unfold with reigning American League MVP Josh Donaldson. As the pair got in each other's faces after Donaldson slammed his bat in the dugout, Gibbons said it's that kind of tenacity that fuels his team leader.

"One thing that really drives him is his intensity. He wants to be the best," Gibbons said on MLB Network. "He's on a different level than a lot of guys. He wears it on his sleeve, that's just what he does."

A few innings later, the two were seen low-fiving each other after Donaldson scored a run.

Following the game, both Donaldson and Gibbons shook it off, with the slugger joking that his manager got too close to him because he liked the smell of his cologne.

While it's obvious that wasn't the case, Gibbons didn't shy away from giving credit where credit is due.

"In all honesty, Josh, he's got some nice-smelling cologne," the skipper admitted.