Donaldson's locker emptied amid trade speculation

Cue a new wave of Josh Donaldson trade rumors.

Donaldson's locker in the Toronto Blue Jays clubhouse was apparently emptied sometime over the last 24 hours, according to Scott Mitchell of TSN. All that remains is an empty stall and a nameplate, though that doesn't mean a move is imminent.

The slugging third baseman has been the subject of trade speculation since the offseason, and the Blue Jays reportedly still hope to trade him before August's waiver deadline.

Sidelined since May 29 with a nagging calf injury, Donaldson appeared close to returning to action earlier this month, though no official timetable has been issued, and he has yet to embark on a rehab assignment.

A healthy Donaldson would still be a fine addition for a contender looking to make a postseason push. Though he's been limited to only 36 games this season, he struggled while trying to play through a similar injury in 2017. In the second half of last season, he hit .276 with 24 home runs in 67 games.

Set to be a free agent after the season, and with the Blue Jays appearing on the verge of a rebuild, Donaldson's days in Toronto could be numbered whether or not he gets traded before the end of the month.