DENVER — After an 0-for-3 performance to open the second half of the season on Friday night here at hitter-friendly Coors Field, it needed to be asked if Josh Donaldson of the New York Yankees is really healthy.
After missing nearly two months because of a hamstring strain, Donaldson has not been producing as the New York Yankees hoped upon his return. Including Friday's dud, the 37-year-old Donaldson is slashing just .147/.233/.451 this season with 32 strikeouts in 102 at-bats.
On the good side, 10 of Donaldson's 15 hits this season have been home runs. He's also drawn a walk in six of his last seven games (since July 3), including one in Friday's 7-2 loss, after logging just six bases on balls in his first 25 games of the season.
Those are promising signs in the eyes of Aaron Boone, who is hoping Donaldson can be a potential key contributor in the second half of the season.
Is Josh Donaldson's health a factor in his struggles for the New York Yankees?
"He's fine," Boone told reporters before Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies after being asked about Donaldson being the designated hitter for the second straight game. "He's good to play third. Coming off the All-Star break and because it's going to be the same personnel, meaning DJ (LeMahieu) and Gleyber (Torres), I just figured each day I can buy him a little bit probably helps him a little bit physically. He's good to play."
While Boone is buying time for Donaldson in terms of his health, he's also buying time for him to remain in the lineup as well. With Aaron Judge taking batting practice again on Saturday, but still with no timetable for his return, time is of the essence for the current Yankees to put together some wins.
As Saturday's first pitch drew near, New York was 9.0 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East, but just 2.0 games out of a Wild Card spot in a jumbled race for the AL postseason.
If Donaldson is indeed healthy and still continues to not produce at the plate, with only a team option for next season, the Yankees could choose to move on from the veteran as the team decides which direction it will take at the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
