In the Toronto Blue Jays opener on Thursday, it became evidently clear third baseman Josh Donaldson was dealing with an arm issue. Unable to make even basic, accurate throws to first base, the team came out after the game and announced Donaldson was going through a "dead arm" period. Just a day later and the team has announced Donaldson will be shifted over to designated hitter until he is closer to 100 percent.
From a fantasy perspective, this shouldn't hurt Donaldson too much. After testing, it's clear the team at least feels confident enough in his shoulder that he can keep hitting and be a difference maker in Toronto's lineup. So for DFS and season-long owners who like to target Donaldson, this move shouldn't have any negative fantasy implications for the time being. Donaldson remains a top-six fantasy third basemen in all leagues.
This move does provide a temporary boost for Yangervis Solarte, who will slide in at the hot corner for the next few games. Solarte played very well for the San Diego Padres last season and Toronto trusts his bat enough to where they positioned him fifth in today's batting order. If he remains in the upper half of the order, he will be a DFS target quite often given his affordable price on DraftKings and FanDuel.
Lastly, this move will cut down on some of Kendrys Morales playing time. With the designated hitter spot now occupied, Morales will ride the bench and shouldn't be trusted in any fantasy league until Donaldson is moved back to third base.