The race for the American League MVP award just got cloudier Sunday. Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson announced his presence with authority, bashing three home runs during a 9-6 win over the Minnesota Twins.
Donaldson’s first blast came in a big spot for the Blue Jays. With the game tied in the third inning, Donaldson hit a 92 mph fastball from Kyle Gibson to left to give his club the early 2-1 lead.
They would need his pop again in the seventh. This time, Donaldson struck with his team trailing by one run. With a man on first, Donaldson again gave Toronto the lead. He once again feasted on a fastball, hitting a 94 mph heater from Pat Light to center field.
In the eighth, he added to that lead. On the fourth pitch of his at-bat against Alex Wimmers, Donaldson clobbered an 87 mph changeup to center for his third and final home run of the game.
The Blue Jays went on to win the game 9-6, so Donaldson did not have an opportunity at a record-tying fourth home run during the ninth inning. He finished the contest 3-for-4, with three runs scored and four RBI.
Coming into the contest, Donaldson ranked fourth in the AL with a 6.4 fWAR. He barely trails Jose Altuve, who sits in second with a 6.6 fWAR. Following Sunday’s game, Donaldson may have already overtaken Altuve. If things play out like last year, Donaldson could be on his way to taking away Mike Trout’s award again.
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