TORONTO – Josh Donaldson returns to the Toronto Blue Jays‘ lineup Friday as the team’s designated hitter, two days after leaving Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays with a right calf strain.

Manager John Gibbons said Thursday that the team would re-evaluate the third baseman before the home opener against the Boston Red Sox to assess his progress.

Donaldson also battled calf issues in 2015, when he played 158 games for the third consecutive season, hit 41 home runs and won the American League MVP award.

“Not everyone was aware of that but he’s battled calf issues,” Gibbons said. “He played through it.”

Michael Saunders, who rested a hamstring issue Wednesday, also returns to the Blue Jays’ lineup against Boston.

Marcus Stroman opposes Joe Kelly Friday, when the Blue Jays open a six-game homestand in Toronto.