The Seattle Mariners announced on April 20 that third baseman Brendan Donovan has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left groin muscle strain. The move follows imaging conducted after Donovan exited Friday’s game in the fourth inning with what was initially described as left hip tightness.
This development affects the Mariners’ infield lineup and raises questions about who will fill in at third base during Donovan’s absence. While some speculated that top prospect Colt Emerson would be called up, manager Dan Wilson said before Monday’s series opener against the Athletics that Emerson is currently dealing with a left wrist issue and will remain in the minors for now. “So I think it probably wasn’t the best time at this point,” Wilson said. “He’s going to continue to do what he’s doing down there. And it just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that.”
Instead, infielder Will Wilson has been selected from Triple-A Tacoma to join the roster, requiring Miles Mastrobuoni (right calf strain) to be transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear space on the 40-man roster. Leo Rivas has started at third base while Donovan is sidelined and is expected to continue when facing right-handed pitchers.
Donovan’s stint on the injured list is retroactive to April 18, making him eligible for activation as early as April 28. He had previously missed games due to illness and right groin discomfort earlier this season, which he suggested may be lingering effects from sports hernia surgery performed last October when he was with St. Louis Cardinals. “Sometimes with these surgeries, with the [groin] and your hips, you can get some things that just kind of snag,” Donovan said after an incident earlier this month.
As for Emerson, his minor wrist injury is not considered serious and he is expected back in Tacoma’s lineup within days; however, his performance so far this season has not forced a promotion despite being signed earlier this month by Seattle through an eight-year contract extension intended for him to play a role later in 2026.
Looking ahead, Rivas will likely continue at third base against most pitchers while Will Wilson could see action against left-handers or when other lineup adjustments are needed.
