Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson remained out of the lineup Wednesday, but the team is optimistic that he’ll return Thursday.
Donaldson, 33, was a late scratch Tuesday with tightness in his right calf. The former MVP had calf issues in the past, though it was an issue with his left calf that tarnished his 2018 season.
“He’s feeling better,” manager Brian Snitker said. “We’ll give him one more day and hopefully get him back in there tomorrow.”
Donaldson was available to pinch-hit Wednesday, with Johan Camargo starting in his place at third. An immediate scare turned relief, Donaldson won’t need time on the injured list.
“He said it’s a lot better, but if we had to keep him out yesterday for something like that, I’d rather just not take any chances,” Snitker said.
The team’s marquee free-agent signing, Donaldson has an extra-base hit in 11 of his past 19 games, hitting .299/.434/.627 in that time. His 21 walks are tied for sixth most in the majors.
