Toronto Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson sidelined with calf ailment

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson expects to be sidelined two-to-three weeks due to a right calf strain.

Donaldson admitted that he felt something grab his muscle while running sprints during a workout on Friday. The 2015 American League Most Valuable Player and three-time All-Star underwent an MRI exam the following day and required the use of crutches while walking in the clubhouse on Sunday.

"It's something that we don't necessarily want to push too much, just for the simple fact that we have a little extra time with spring training right now," the 31-year-old Donaldson said. "I'm just making sure that whenever I step back on the field, it's ready to go and I'm ready to be able to push it."

Toronto general manager Ross Atkins told MLB.com that Donaldson's calf issues last season are unrelated to the current ailment.

Donaldson batted .284 with 37 homers and 99 RBIs in 2016 to record his second straight AL Silver Slugger Award for third basemen.