Donaldson activated from DL, Smoak placed on paternity list

As expected, Josh Donaldson rejoined the Toronto Blue Jays in Cleveland on Thursday and was activated from the disabled list ahead of his club's doubleheader against the Indians.

"I wouldn't be here if I weren't playing today," Donaldson told reporters, per Sportsnet's Arash Madani.

In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays placed first baseman Justin Smoak on the paternity list.

Donaldson, who played 12 games before inflammation in his throwing shoulder forced him to the DL on April 13, said Thursday he had actually hoped to be activated during his team's series in Minnesota. In two rehab games with High-A Dunedin, Donaldson went 2-for-5 (.400) with one walk, first serving as DH before moving over to third base for his second rehab contest.

He will bat second and play at third base in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader at Progressive Field.

Before landing on the DL, the three-time All-Star had hit .239/.352/.457 (117 OPS+) with three home runs, one double, and 14 strikeouts in a dozen contests.