Former AL MVP Josh Donaldson launched by Yankees after taking part in simply 33 video games this yr

DETROIT — Third baseman Josh Donaldson’s unproductive two seasons with the New York Yankees ended Tuesday when the previous AL MVP was launched.

A participant have to be in a corporation by midnight Thursday to be eligible for postseason play with that crew. Donaldson wouldn’t have to complete the rest of his stint on the 60-day injured checklist and instantly may very well be energetic with one other membership, which might pay him solely a prorated share of the $720,000 minimal.

The 37-year-old hit .207 with 25 homers and 77 RBIs over 165 video games in two seasons since he was acquired from Minnesota in March 2022 together with infielder/outfielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and catcher Ben Rortvedt for catcher Gary Sánchez and infielder Gio Urshela.

“Coming out of the lockout, I think might have been a little bit behind physically last year, and then he had some struggles,” Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned Tuesday. “Felt like he came in a really good place this spring and then got hurt pretty early on, and then came back and obviously was hitting long balls.”

Donaldson hit .142 with 15 RBIs this yr, taking part in in simply 33 video games. Ten of his 15 hits have been house runs. In his first season with the Yankees, he batted .222 with 15 homers and 62 RBIs.

The three-time All-Star was on the IL from April 5 to June 2 due to a strained proper hamstring, then went again on the IL on July 16 with a strained proper calf sustained whereas operating out a grounder. He was moved 4 days later to the 60-day IL.

“I think we’re just at a point where, with him having to go through a rehab assignment and then being back in the middle of the month, there weren’t going to be opportunities,” Boone mentioned. “We wanted to give him the option or the possibility of catching on with someone.”