Brendan Donovan is nearing a return from the injured list, according to an April 28 update from the Seattle Mariners. The team’s third baseman is tentatively targeted for activation during Seattle’s upcoming homestand against Kansas City and Atlanta, which begins Friday and lasts six games.
Donovan has been recovering from a left groin muscle strain and remained in Seattle for rehabilitation at T-Mobile Park while the team was on its road trip through St. Louis and Minnesota. His rehab has included baseball activities.
“The progression has gone as hoped, and he’s taken swings,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said before Tuesday’s game against the Twins. “And I think he looks like he’s on pace to be back during the homestand at some point.”
Wilson said it does not appear that Donovan will need a Minor League rehab assignment due to the short duration of his time on the injured list. He was eligible for activation on Tuesday, but travel logistics and a tight schedule were factors in delaying his return. If Minor League at-bats are needed, Triple-A Tacoma will be playing at home through Sunday.
“[We’re] continuing to assess,” Wilson said. “I think we’ll know a lot more when we get back. But yeah, I mean, I think the hope is at some point during the homestand, he’ll be back.” Donovan also indicated that monitoring his condition will remain important moving forward after undergoing sports hernia surgery last October while with St. Louis.
When healthy this season, Donovan has been one of Seattle’s most consistent hitters with a .304 batting average, three home runs, eight RBIs over 18 games and a .955 OPS in 71 plate appearances. In his absence, Leo Rivas has filled in at third base but is expected to return to a bench role once Donovan rejoins the lineup.
