The Seattle Mariners scratched infielder Brendan Donovan before their game against the Chicago Cubs. Instead, the start at third base went to Weston Wilson on an emergency basis.
The club later provided an update on the 29-year-old’s status during the game. Donovan was hit in the head in the batting cages and is being further evaluated.
Brendan Donovan was hit in the head by a baseball in the batting cages prior to the game. Donovan is currently being evaluated.
Donovan was originally in the Mariners’ starting lineup, leading off and playing third base. After the batting cage incident, it’s unclear what his status will be moving forward. So this potential injury situation is truly one of the more bizarre to happen at a baseball stadium.
With this being a head injury, the 7-day concussion injured list is an option for both Donovan and the Mariners.
Seattle is hoping for a short-term stay on the injured list. Donovan is hitting well in his first season with the Mariners, slashing .277/.371/.409 with three home runs in 51 games. He’s missed time this season due to a left groin strain, which required multiple stints on the injured list.
What the Brendan Donovan News Means for the Mariners
Brendan Donovan’s bizarre injury further hurts the Mariners’ infield depth. While Donovan plays mostly third base, he gives them extra coverage at first base, second base, shortstop, and the corner outfield.
It also doesn’t help that the club is banged up on its infield. Colt Emerson, J.P. Crawford, and Will Wilson are on the injured list. Both Emerson and Crawford are battling left wrist injuries, while Wilson is out with a fractured thumb suffered in April.
Currently, the club is relying on Brock Rodden to man shortstop after all the injuries. Weston Wilson and Leo Rivas are their two infielders on the bench. Wilson covers the corner infield and Rivas the middle infield.
If the Mariners elect to place Donovan on the injured list, then they could call up an infielder from Triple-A Tacoma. Such options include Ryan Bliss, Patrick Wisdom, or Miles Mastrobuoni. Bringing up Mastrobuoni would require Seattle to make a 40-man roster move.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson should provide an update on Brendan Donovan’s status after their game against the Cubs.
Mariners Provide Bizarre Brendan Donovan Update After Lineup Scratch vs. Cubs