Back in the lineup for single-A Dunedin on Thursday night, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson flashed a bit of his signature skill, connecting on a home run to left centre field in his first at-bat of the evening and logging six innings as he looks to build towards a Toronto return.
It seems getting back on the field wasn’t enough to quell Donaldson’s frustration, though. The former American League MVP opened up about his current situation following his on-field return in Dunedin, Fla., speaking with the Toronto Sun about his relationship with the Blue Jays’ front office and his injury status.
“There’s a lot I can say about that, but I choose not to say anything about it right now,” Donaldson told the Sun‘s Rob Longley when asked about the perceived issues between him and the Blue Jays’ front office. “I don’t feel now is the time or the place. It’s one of those things that, as an athlete, I can only control what I can control.
“To do that I have to stay positive and focused on what I have to do. When it comes down to it, there’s going to be a time that we can talk about it.”
Though much has been said about Donaldson’s relationship with the team and his future in Toronto, he made clear he’s remaining focused on the present.
“I can’t control what the team wants to do with me,” he told Longley. “The only thing I can control is going out there and trying to perform at the best of my ability and doing everything I can to prepare to be ready for each and every game.”
The veteran didn’t shy away from expressing his feelings on how far his club has fallen, and with the injury situation hampering his ability to help right the ship.
“It stinks. From a couple of years ago to being a playoff contender and having the best lineup in Major League Baseball to where we’re at today, it’s frustrating,” he said. “I don’t make decisions. It’s not about the team. I’m frustrated more because I haven’t been able to be out there and be a part of it.
“I want to be able to be out there and help those guys.”
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