By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

Although meteorologists say there's a 30% chance of rain avoiding the Cleveland area, we can assure you that the weather will be a factor along the banks of the Cuyahoga River on Thursday. 

In advance of their traditional doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians, the Toronto Blue Jays have activated third baseman Josh Donaldson while recalling outfielder Dwight Smith Jr. and left-hander Tim Mayza to serve as the club's 26th-man.

In a corresponding move, infielder Gift Ngoepe has been optioned to triple-A Buffalo and first baseman Justin Smoak has been placed on the paternity list.

Sidelined with right shoulder inflammation on April 13, Donaldson, who had been slashing .239/.352/.457 with three home runs prior to being shut down, has been on a throwing program in Dunedin since departing the team. 

Having only returned to a lineup on the weekend, the 32-year-old appeared in two games with the Blue Jays class-A Advanced affiliate, making three throws while notching a pair of hits in five at-bats.

With Yangervis Solarte assuming the lion's share of defensive innings at third, the 17-13 Blue Jays split the 18 games played during Donaldson's absence.

In 16 games with the Bisons this season, the left-handed batting Smith Jr., slashed .230/.329/.361 with four extra-base hits and three stolen bases.

There will need to be another move made in order to formally recall right-hander Joe Biagini, who is slated to start the nightcap in today's twin bill.

Biagini has accounted for a handful of starts in 2018, one of which came at the Major League level. Having last pitched on April 28, he's posted a cumulative 5.12 ERA, while striking out 12 batters and issuing eight walks.

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