Gibbons: Donaldson 'felt great' during latest throwing session
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons provided a brief but promising update on Josh Donaldson, saying the third baseman "felt great" throwing Thursday, according to Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com.
There is no firm timetable for Donaldson's return to the lineup, but he is expected to miss the four-game series against the New York Yankees beginning Thursday.
After dealing with what Gibbons labelled a "dead arm," Donaldson tried to play through the issue, appearing primarily as designated hitter. The ailment eventually forced the former American League MVP to the 10-day disabled list last Friday with right shoulder inflammation.
A day later, reporters pressed Gibbons for additional details on the 32-year-old, prompting an acrimonious response from the skipper.
"Do I look like a doctor? You (the media) get all upset. Take what people give you," Gibbons said, per John Lott of The Athletic. "We don't know any more. It's not a conspiracy. Nobody's out to get you. Nobody's out to screw you in your job. We tell you what we got. He's got inflammation in his shoulder. I can't tell you any more than that. It's hindering his throwing. What else you want? Seriously, what else you want? Nobody's out to stick it to you."
In 12 appearances this season, Donaldson has hit .239/.352/.457 with 122 wRC+ and a .352 wOBA.