DETROIT — Third baseman and former All-American MVP Josh Donaldson was released by the New York Yankees on Tuesday after two difficult seasons with the team.
The 37-year-old Donaldson had a .207 batting average with 25 home runs and 77 RBIs in 165 games with the Yankees over those two seasons. However, he has only played 33 games this year, averaging .142 and 15 RBIs.
His name was placed on the injured list from April 5 to June 2 due to a pulled right hamstring. He returned to the sidelines on July 16 for a strained right calf, before being placed on the 60-day disabled list.
“Coming back from the lockout [en 2022], I think he was a bit behind in terms of fitness and he got in trouble, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. I had the impression that it was better this spring, but he got injured quickly.
Donaldson was acquired from the Minnesota Twins in March 2022 along with Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt in return for receiver Gary Sanchez and infielder Gio Urshela.
By releasing him, the Yankees allow him to seek a new team where to pursue his career. He must find a buyer by Thursday midnight if he wishes to participate in the playoffs.
“As he’s recovering to come back in the middle of September, there wouldn’t have been any opportunities,” Boone said. We wanted to give him the opportunity to find a new team [avant la date butoir].»
Donaldson was a key player with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2015 to 2017. During that span, he had 111 home runs and 300 RBIs.
In 2015, he led major league baseball with 122 runs scored and the American League with 123 RBIs. He was named the Tour’s Most Valuable Player.
2023-08-30 03:39:32
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