'Miserable' Donaldson to undergo MRI on hip

After sitting out a third straight game, the Toronto Blue Jays are proceeding cautiously with their All-Star third baseman, as Josh Donaldson will undergo an MRI on his ailing hip, general manager Ross Atkins told reporters prior to Wednesday's tilt with the Tampa Bay Rays.

"He's more miserable than any player right now that exists, that we're in this hunt and he can't contribute," Atkins told John Lott of VICE Sports. Atkins added that Donaldson's hip hasn't "significantly" responded to treatment, and that while there is no timetable for return, he is expected to travel with the team when they begin their seven-game road trip on Thursday against the Los Angeles Angels.

The 30-year-old reigning MVP is currently in his worst slump of the season - going hitless in his last 23 at-bats - possibly in part because of the hip injury and other minor ailments. Despite his recent struggles, Donaldson has posted another MVP-like season, hitting .284/.400/.552 with 34 home runs and 92 RBIs.

Donaldson has been extremely durable in recent years, missing only 19 games since 2013, appearing in 158 games each of the past three seasons. He will fall short of that mark this year, having played in only 138 games entering Wednesday, with just 17 remaining.