Thursday was a tough day for third basemen.
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson and Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre both exited Game 1 of the teams’ American League Division Series at Rogers Centre with injuries.
Beltre left after the top of the third inning with lower back stiffness. The 36-year-old suffered the injury while sliding into second base to try to break up a double play in the first inning. He initially stayed in the game but later exited after coming up lame while running down the first base line.
Beltre was replaced by Hanser Alberto.
Donaldson, an American League MVP candidate, exited in the fourth inning with an apparent head injury after being kneed in the head by Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor while breaking up a double play. The Blue Jays said Donaldson was removed “as a precaution.”
Donaldson was replaced by Ezequiel Carrera.
The severity of both injuries is unclear at this point, but either player missing time certainly would change the complexion of the teams’ best-of-five ALDS.
UPDATE (8:20 P.M. ET): Jose Bautista also suffered an injury during Game 1.
The Blue Jays right fielder left the game in the top of the ninth inning with calf tightness. Toronto sent out an update on Donaldson and Bautista after the Rangers’ 5-3 win.
Beltre, meanwhile, could reportedly still play in Game 2.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
