Josh Donaldson admits itB次元官网网址檚 tough to say goodbye to the Toronto Blue Jays.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址� been difficult to the extreme that I am leaving an organization that I was very much a big part of,B次元官网网址� the new Cleveland Indians third baseman said Sunday in an introductory press conference after a trade on Friday.

B次元官网网址淚 had some quality years there that IB次元官网网址檓 not going to forget. But IB次元官网网址檓 also looking forward to trying to help this team win and moving forward as well.B次元官网网址�

The Blue Jays dealt the 2015 AL MVP to the Indians for a player to be named later, continuing a rebuild process that has seen the team cut ties with some of its biggest stars from the 2015-16 playoff squads.

Donaldson has been out of the Blue Jays lineup since late May, dealing with a nagging calf injury. He played in a rehab game with single-A Dunedin on Tuesday, allowing the Blue Jays to place Donaldson on waivers and trade him prior to FridayB次元官网网址檚 deadline for players to become eligible to join a post-season roster.

B次元官网网址淚f I was writing a book, itB次元官网网址檚 not how I would have wanted it to go, but hopefully it has a happy ending,B次元官网网址� said Donaldson, who becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

READ MORE:

Donaldson did not provide a timeline for his return, but seemed to indicate he wonB次元官网网址檛 be out too much longer.

B次元官网网址淚 feel very good about where IB次元官网网址檓 at right now,B次元官网网址� said Donaldson, who took batting practice and ran the bases and did agility drills Sunday. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檇 rather not talk about it. IB次元官网网址檇 rather you see it and judge for yourself.B次元官网网址�

Indians president Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona met with Donaldson after his workout. ItB次元官网网址檚 still unclear what Donaldson will need to do before heB次元官网网址檚 ready to take over at third base. He could continue to work with the team or play on a minor league rehab assignment.

B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 what weB次元官网网址檙e still working on,B次元官网网址� Donaldson said. B次元官网网址淲henever that schedule is finalized between all parties, IB次元官网网址檓 sure itB次元官网网址檚 going to be addressed, how weB次元官网网址檙e going to move forward.B次元官网网址�

In Cleveland, Donaldson reunites with former Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion. The two were seen talking in the dugout after Donaldson arrived Saturday night.

B次元官网网址淲e had a lot of fond memories together as teammates B次元官网网址� IB次元官网网址檓 sure if you asked him as well, weB次元官网网址檙e excited about creating some new ones,B次元官网网址� Donaldson said.

While the ending in Toronto was anything but perfect, Donaldson said heB次元官网网址檚 happy to be in Cleveland.

B次元官网网址淚 was excited because of the players you have in this clubhouse and how theyB次元官网网址檝e been able to have success throughout the years,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 also excited (because) if you probably go look back at my numbers in this ballpark, theyB次元官网网址檙e pretty nice. IB次元官网网址檓 glad IB次元官网网址檓 going into a situation where IB次元官网网址檝e had success before.B次元官网网址�

The 32-year-old Donaldson batted .234 with five home runs and 16 RBIs this season for the Blue Jays. He hasnB次元官网网址檛 played since May 28 because of the calf injury. He also was out from April 11-May 2 with a shoulder problem.

The Indians begin a four-game series in Toronto on Thursday.

B次元官网网址� with files from the Associated Press

The Canadian Press