Donaldson leaves playoff game after taking knee to head

TORONTO (AP) Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson left Thursday's AL Division Series opener against Texas after he was kneed in the head while breaking up a double play.

Ezequiel Carrera pinch hit for Donaldson with two outs and a runner at third base in the fifth, grounding out to end the inning.

In the fourth, Donaldson slid into the left knee of second baseman Rougned Odor and stayed down briefly before walking off the field. Donaldson played defense in the top of the fifth.

Toronto said Donaldson was removed as a precaution. The Blue Jays did not specify the severity of his injury.

Cliff Pennington took over at third base in the sixth.

Donaldson hit .297 with a career-high 41 homers this season and led the AL with 123 RBIs.

Earlier, Texas lost third baseman Adrian Beltre to back soreness after he landed heavily sliding into second base.