Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan is nearing activation from the 10-day injured list, where he was placed April 20 (retroactive to April 18) with a left groin strain. Manager Dan Wilson said recovery is on track for a return during the upcoming homestand against Kansas City and Atlanta, starting Friday.
Donovan remained in Seattle during the Mariners' road trip through St. Louis and Minnesota, rehabbing at T-Mobile Park with baseball activities and swings. Eligible for activation since Tuesday, he stayed sidelined due to travel and the tight schedule in Minneapolis. Wilson noted before Tuesday's game, “The progression has gone as hoped, and he's taken swings. And I think he looks like he's on pace to be back during the homestand at some point.” No minor-league rehab appears needed for the short stint, though Triple-A Tacoma is available. Wilson added, “[We're] continuing to assess. 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.”
The groin issue connects to sports hernia surgery last October with the Cardinals, causing ongoing hip/groin discomfort. This season, Donovan has a .304/.437/.518 slash line (.955 OPS), three homers, three doubles, eight RBIs, 12 strikeouts and nine walks in 71 plate appearances over 18 games.
Leo Rivas has covered third base and will return to the bench, with Will Wilson likely optioned to the minors upon activation.