Blue Jays to activate Donaldson, Tulowitzki from DL

The Blue Jays will activate All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson and All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki from the disabled list today before they open a three-game set with the Rangers at home, Toronto manager John Gibbons said during an interview with MLB Network Radio.

"[Donaldson and Tulowitzki] will be activated today," Gibbons told the Sirius XM station. "It's been a long time coming, to be honest with you, and like I said earlier, the other guys that have stepped in have really done a great job, but if we're going to do anything, we need [Donaldson and Tulowitzki] to be good."

Donaldson has not played since April 13 due to a right calf injury, while Tulowitzki has been out since April 21 with a strained right hamstring. Both were placed on the 10-day DL and completed rehab assignments at Single-A Dunedin.

Donaldson, a three-time All Star and 2015 AL MVP, had played pretty well before his injury. The three-time Silver Slugger slashed .310/.429/.586 with two home runs, four RBI and five runs in 35 plate appearances.

Tulowitzki, a five-time All-Star — all with the Rockies — and a two-time Gold Glove winner, was Toronto’s main run producers before he got hurt. He had driven in 10 runs, but was only slashing .263/.295/.386 in 61 plate appearances.

The Blue Jays get their two top players back just in time to possibly turn their season around. After starting the year with a franchise-worst 1-9 record, the Blue Jays are 21-26. However, they are in last place in the AL East.

Gibbons said the team will monitor Donaldson and Tulowitzki for a little bit before they let them back into the lineup fully.

“They’re feeling great, and early on, we’ll watch the amount of playing time they’re getting until they get into high gear,” Gibbons said, “but it’s definitely two welcome additions.”