Josh Donaldson’s Future With Brewers Still Up In The Air

For the first time in 11 years (outside of a short rehab assignment), Josh Donaldson finds himself in the minors. Signed to a minor league deal by the Milwaukee Brewers after he was jettisoned by the New York Yankees, the Brew Crew have no intention of calling Donaldson up to the big leagues until he shows he still belongs.

According to manager Craig Counsell, "no callup is imminent."

Counsell was asked today about Josh Donaldson. No callup imminent. "In order for Josh to best be prepared to make a contribution here, we need to get a foundation of at-bats for him in the Minor Leagues. That's the best chance, if we would do it, to give him a chance of success." https://t.co/IO66W0u4zm
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) September 9, 2023

"In order for Josh to best be prepared to make a contribution here, we need to get a foundation of at-bats for him in the Minor Leagues. That's the best chance, if we would do it, to give him a chance of success," said Counsell.

In five games thus far at Nashville in Triple-A heading into Sunday, the former AL MVP is hitting .177, though two of his three hits in 17 at-bats have left the yard.

Consider the rain brought 😤

Josh Donaldson wallops his first @nashvillesounds tater: pic.twitter.com/lqa1Hvr71W
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) September 9, 2023

The 'Bringer of Rain' is also getting on base at a .364 clip, as he has five walks against just four strikeouts.

Donaldson struggled mightily with the Yankees this season, batting just .142 in 106 at-bats with 10 home runs and an OPS+ of just 75, making him 25% worse than the average major league hitter.

The Brewers could certainly use some help at third base, where they've had a 0.6 bWAR this season, 18th in baseball. But then again, Donaldson was a 0.1 himself in the Bronx.

The Brewers are still holding onto a 4.0 game lead for top spot in the NL Central.

Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports