Josh Donaldson’s trade from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Cleveland Indians caused irritation among the competition. A media report says that the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Houston Astros have made complaints against the MLB.
The Athletic reports that the Indians’ playoff rivals asked the league why the trade was allowed. The Astros, at least, were satisfied with the League’s response.
The stumbling block was the unclear health situation of the Third Baseman, who had not played in the MLB since May 28. Donaldson began a rehab assignment on August 29th and was placed on Trade Waiver Wire on the same day, then the trade took place on August 31st.
The rules state that a player must be declared healthy to be placed on the trade waivers. There is even a dispute between the Blue Jays and Donaldson about this. In the end, however, Donaldson agreed to be healthy.
Donaldson hasn’t played since the trade and was placed on the Disabled List again on September 3rd to start another rehab assignment in the Minor Leagues. According to manager Terry Francona, Donaldson will be activated on Tuesday and face the Tampa Bay Rays in Cleveland’s lineup.
The Athletic quotes an unnamed official with the obviously sarcastic remark: “He must have hurt himself again on the flight to Cleveland”.
The report further states that Donaldson did not believe he was healthy on 29 August, and after the MLBPA had also joined in, a League official informed potential trade candidates about the situation and Donaldson’s concerns about his health.
This article was published without previous view by the Major League Baseball.