Donaldson nearing 1st action of spring with Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays will be receiving a big boost soon.

Josh Donaldson will make his spring debut Tuesday in a minor-league game as a designated hitter, manager John Gibbons told Hazel Mae of Sportsnet.

Donaldson could also debut in big-league camp over the next few days, Gibbons said, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.

Toronto has taken it slow with Donaldson's recovery since he injured his calf in mid-February, but the 2015 American League MVP explained he's felt ready to play since last week.

"I feel like I could play tomorrow if I needed to for the regular season," Donaldson said on March 8. "But that being said, (the training staff) want to be sure this isn't a recurring thing and that I'm not having to deal with it throughout the season. I feel like we are getting a pretty good grasp on it right now."

The 31-year-old participated in his first team workout of the spring Saturday, taking ground balls at third base, while getting in some batting practice.

During his two seasons in Toronto, Donaldson has been integral to the Blue Jays, posting a .291/.387/.559 slash line with 78 home runs, 222 RBIs, and 73 doubles in 313 games.