The Toronto Blue Jays have third baseman Josh Donaldson and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki back in the lineup tonight, as both players have been officially activated and added to the 25-man roster the first game of their series against the Texas Rangers.

Donaldson, who bats second tonight, has missed the last 38 games due to a calf injury, while Tulowitzki has been missing since April 21 with a hamstring ailment. he will bat seventh in the batting order.

The Blue Jays kick off a three-game set against the Rangers Friday night. A.J. Griffin will be on the mound for the Rangers as the Jays will counter with Mike Bolsinger.

Toronto had a 17-14 record with both of players out of the lineup.

In nine games to start the season, Donaldson slashed .310/.429/.568 with two home runs and four runs batted in.

Tulowitzki managed .263/.295/.386 with one home run and ten RBI in 16 games in April. 

 

Game notes

TSN's Blue Jays reporter Scott Mitchell spoke with manager John Gibbons prior to the start of Friday's contest with the Texas Rangers. 

- "I feel good about what the other guys did holding down the fort," Gibbons said. "The guys go back to their role that they were originally going to be in."

- "He played great," Gibbons said of Ryan Goins. "I've always been a huge fan of his ... I can't say enough good things about what he did with the bat."

- Tulowitzki will need a break here and there. Same with Devon Travis. Goins will still find at-bats.

- "We tried some things over the last few weeks," Gibbons said of playing more small ball. "You won't see as much of that anymore."

- Having Tulowitzki/Josh Donaldson back might help "open up a game and give the bullpen a break."

- Francisco Liriano will make a rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Buffalo against Charlotte.

- Still up in the air on J.A. Happ. Gibbons said he could be an option for Tuesday but nothing has been decided. Felt great today after pitching for Dunedin on Thursday.

- Five different 3B used while Donaldson was sidelined for 42 days.