Josh Donaldson heating up at the plate

Cleveland Indians third baseman Josh Donaldson has endured an up and down season. In fact early on Donaldson did not look good. A lengthy stint on the disabled list caused many to wonder if he would play again this season. Even upon his arrival in Cleveland his bat came along slow. Now as the playoffs near, he is hitting like everyone expected him to.

Granted this is the literal description of small sample size, but Donaldson has been fantastic at the plate over the last seven days. Donaldson again looks like Donaldson and this is a good thing for the Indians.

Donaldson is slashing .278/.458/.500 with an OPS of .958. During this span Donaldson has one home run, one double, two runs driven in, three runs scored and six walks. One of the more important statistics is that Donaldson has only struck out four times. Donaldson is seeing the ball well and is getting on base. Two aspects of baseball that lead to good future results.

The reason for the small sample size is simple. Donaldson missed the majority of the season due to injury. After being acquired by the Indians it took some time for Donaldson knock the rust off. It appears that Donaldson has and is displaying it on the field.

Donaldson will be an integral part of the Indians as the playoffs near. Playing well defensively at third and lengthening the Cleveland lineup. Before the Donaldson deal the Indians were extremely top heavy in their lineup. Now with Donaldson in the middle of the order, the lineup is longer and more difficult to get through. Instead of the rotating cast of characters that have absolutely no business in the fifth spot, Donaldson is an anchor. Now guys like Yonder Alonso and Melky Cabrera are moved down in the order where they belong. As batters in the five spot they are not great, but now as sixth and seventh in the lineup hitters they are at least league average if not better. Donaldson transforms the look of the Indians lineup and makes the team appear to be rather formidable in October.