Cleveland Indians: Josh Donaldson flashing his power in rehab games

Josh Donaldson is eligible to join the Cleveland Indians in just a few days and has been mashing home runs in the meantime.

First it was made perfectly clear by Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona that Jose Ramirez wouldn’t be moving to second base. Then the team acquired Josh Donaldson and Ramirez will in fact be moving to second.

The move brought excitement to those who don’t want Jason Kipnis on the field and frustration to the Kipnis loyalists still out there.

But we haven’t seen the moves yet as Donaldson is on the disabled list and playing in games down in the minor leagues. So far the early results are promising.

Donaldson was in Columbus on Monday and started at third base. He gave the fans something to cheer about with a monster grand slam to help the Clippers pick up an 8-1 victory.

Then Donaldson was in Akron yesterday in some postseason action. Imagine being the opposing pitcher. You have your scouting report and then you see Donaldson’s name in the lineup.

Anyway, he hit another dinger to help the RubberDucks take Game 1 in the playoff series.

This is a great sign for the Indians. Donaldson has only appeared in 36 games this season, with his last appearance coming on May 28. Seeing him playing in the field and hitting home runs in a positive step forward.

The great thing with this situation is that the Indians didn’t desperately need Donaldson. But acquiring him added even more talent to this first-place club. Remember, he wasn’t brought here to win the division. He was brought here to help in the postseason.

That means there is no rush in getting him on the field and maybe he only gets a few regular season games at third, bumping Ramirez to second. That would mean Kipnis’ role wouldn’t be disrupted until October, as it has been in the past.

The Indians are back home next Friday in what should be Donaldson’s home debut in an Indians uniform. Since that will come at a time when the division could already be won, he should be eased back in and may see time at DH as well. As long as he keeps mashing home runs, his presence will be celebrated.