Fansided

These 5 MLB waiver trades will shape the postseason chase

By David Salituro

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats in the third inning during MLB game action against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Josh Donaldson
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats in the third inning during MLB game action against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Josh Donaldson /
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TORONTO, ON – MAY 19: Toronto Blue Jays Third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) makes a throw to first from the infield to get the runner out during the MLB game between the Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays on May 19, 2018 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MAY 19: Toronto Blue Jays Third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) makes a throw to first from the infield to get the runner out during the MLB game between the Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays on May 19, 2018 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Last year it was Verlander who was acquired at the last minute and led the Astros to the World Series. The Cleveland Indians hope Josh Donaldson can do the same this year. If he is healthy, that is. Donaldson, former All-Star third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, was acquired by the Indians on Friday. He has not played since May 28, however, due to a calf injury. He did make a rehab start at Single-A Dunedin on Thursday. Before the injury Donaldson was hitting just .234 for the Blue Jays this season with five home runs. When he is healthy, he is still capable of being a valuable bat in the lineup. He hit 33 homers with 78 RBI last season, and has averaged 37 home runs the past three seasons with a .284 average.

To make room for Donaldson in Cleveland, the Indians will likely have to move MVP candidate Jose Ramirez from third base. Ramirez has been the Indians best hitter this season, slugging 37 home runs to go with 94 RBI and a .290 AVG. He can move to second base and allow Cleveland to play Jason Kipnis in the outfield. Cleveland has time to wait for Donaldson to get healthy to join Ramirez and former Blue Jays teammate Edwin Encarnacion in the middle of their lineup; they currently have a comfortable 14 game lead over Minnesota in the AL Central.

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