The issue, according to the report, is the unclear health status of Donaldson, who has not played in the majors since May 28 because of a calf injury. The former American League MVP began a minor league rehab assignment on Aug. 29 and was placed on revocable trade waivers by the Blue Jays that same day. He was traded to Cleveland just before the Aug. 31 deadline, meaning he is eligible to play for the Indians in the postseason.
By rule, a player must be certified as healthy in able to be placed on trade waivers. The Athletic reported that following a dispute with the Blue Jays over his health, Donaldson agreed he was healthy after the MLB Players Association got involved in the process, allowing Toronto to place him on waivers.
Donaldson still has not appeared in a game for the Indians and was placed back on the 10-day disabled list on Sept. 3, starting another minor league rehab assignment.
This unusual sequence, according to The Athletic, irritated multiple other teams, specifically those that may have to contend with Donaldson playing for the Indians in the AL playoffs.
"I guess he got reinjured on the plane," an unnamed executive told The Athletic.