Donaldson not worried about lack of spring ABs: 'I'd rather have zero'

For those who think spring training might drag on too long, Josh Donaldson is joining the cause.

When asked how many at-bats he'd prefer to have prior to the regular season getting underway after being limited to 16 so far, the Toronto Blue Jays third baseman said "I'd rather have zero."

"To me, it's good to get some work in here at spring and stuff," Donaldson told Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. "But I could have 500 spring training at-bats - they really don't equate to one game at-bat during the season."

The Blue Jays' slugger was removed from Saturday's spring game prematurely after experiencing dehydration and cramps, according to manager John Gibbons.

"Everything's different, in my opinion," Donaldson elaborated. "Pitcher intensity right now isn’t even close to where it normally is. Especially guys who are seasoned. Maybe for some of the younger guys, those at-bats are a little bit more real.

"But I remember I used to come in, hit .400 in spring training, and then I’d go and get to the regular season and I would have a couple hits for the month. So, it’s one of those deals where I don’t put too much stock into spring training at-bats. That’s just myself."

Opening Day gets underway on March 29 with all 30 teams in action and the Blue Jays hosting the New York Yankees at the Rogers Centre.