The Braves scratched Josh Donaldson before Tuesday night’s start citing calf soreness. According to David O’Brien of the Athletic, it is not the same calf that Donaldson dealt with in 2018, but it is the one that affected him in 2017.
Snitker said their third baseman could be back in there as soon as tomorrow, but felt like he was obligated to pull Donaldson when he told him it felt sore for precautionary reasons. Taking into account how careful the Braves have been with Donaldson, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Although, hearing Josh Donaldson and “calf injury” in the same sentence is enough to make any Braves’ fans ears bleed.
Snitker also told the media pregame that he expects Ender Inciarte back in the lineup tomorrow and that the Braves’ center fielder probably could have played today. In Donaldson and Inciarte’s absence, the Braves will play Matt Joyce in left and Johan Camargo at third.