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.
The slide that Beltre injured his back on: pic.twitter.com/ui0epuM0Tv
— Corbett Smith (@corbettsmithDMN) October 8, 2015
Adrian Beltre Injures his back and he has left the game.
HUGE loss for the #Rangers #postseason #ALDS #BlueJays http://t.co/YLBrZMNurZ
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) October 8, 2015
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.
Donaldson cleared concussion tests and will be reevaluated tomorrow. Bautista left with hamstring cramp and is not expected to miss time.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 8, 2015
Beltre, meanwhile, could reportedly still play in Game 2.
#Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre diagnosed with back strain. No structural damage. Not ruled out for Game 2. READ: http://t.co/xETTiOPMOA
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) October 8, 2015
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
