Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson participated in a simulated game Wednesday, the final step in his preparation for Friday’s spring debut.
Donaldson went 3-for-3 with a double and homer in the outing, taking pitches from minor league coach Danny Santiesteban. Donaldson rounded the bases without any trouble.
“I was thankful to be able to do that before going into a game,” he said. “I try to make it as similar to a game as possible. Being able to run the bases, get out of the box, hit the double and feel what that is. It’s a step in the right direction.”
The team’s biggest offseason acquisition hoped to play Wednesday, but weather conditions delayed his schedule.
After completing workouts Wednesday morning, Donaldson appears set to debut Friday night against the Phillies. The plan will be for him to play two innings, then every other day from there out.
A former MVP, Donaldson has hit .275 with 182 homers and 551 RBIs in his career. He signed a one-year, $23 million deal with the Braves in November after his 2018 season was plagued by injuries.
