The Seattle Mariners received a positive news update prior to the beginning of their road trip. Everyday Utility-man Brendan Donovan and starting pitcher Bryce Miller expect an activation from the injured list in the coming days.
Donovan landed on the injured list April 20th (retroactive to April 18th) after suffering a left groin strain. The Mariners plan to take Donovan off the injured list prior to Friday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
Miller missed the first part of the season since Spring Training with an oblique injury. However, the Mariners are bringing Miller to Chicago and want to activate him prior to the series against the Houston Astros.
Seattle Mariners Positive News Boosts Lineup
GettyBrendan Donovan remains one of the best hitters this season for the Mariners despite his injury.
Prior to his placement on the injured list, Donovan boosted the Seattle Mariners offense significantly in his leadoff role. So far in 2026, he bats .304/.437/.518 with 3 home runs.
The Mariners started Leo Rivas in his place, who struggles so far this season. He hits .143/.269/.187 at this point after 108 plate appearance. Donovan surely provides better offensive production in every day role for the Seattle Mariners, so that’s without a doubt positive news.
However, the Seattle Mariners need to improve defensively. Donovan struggled at third base when he played there before the injury. Fangraphs tracks that Donovan lost two defensive runs saved thus far this season.
Seattle also received a positive news update with Cal Raleigh on Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. He returned to the lineup that day and expects to be a regular contributor again moving forward.
Raleigh’s offensive slump continues on, but hopefully he finally feels healthy to produce like he did in 2025. Raleigh bats .175/.258/.358 with 7 home runs currently; far removed from the .247/.359/.589 and 60 home run season a year go. Raleigh’s exit velocity continues to be at the lowest rate of his career.
Miller’s Return Shifts Seattle’s Pitching Plans
GettyBryce Miller shined in the 2025 postseason for the Seattle Mariners.
The Mariners hold several options right now for what they can do, which is always positive news when it comes to pitching. One, they could go to a six-man rotation. The argument against that is such a move would disrupt the routine of the current starters. A six man rotation seems unlikely.
Second, Miller pitches out of the bullpen. This appears to be the most likely scenario as they can ease him into the season until there’s another injury or step back the rotation. That being said, Miller’s rehab performances show a lot of potential upside as well as his postseason starts. 2025 was a down season for Miller (5.68 ERA in 18 starts), but he played incredibly well in the postseason (2.51 ERA in 3 starts).
Finally, the last option would be taking out Luis Castillo or Emerson Hancock out of the rotation. Hancock continues his excellent season with a 2.59 ERA in 7 starts. It appears impossible and very unwise to take him out of the rotation. On the other hand, Castillo needs to get going as he has a 6.29 ERA in 7 starts.
Given his contract and veteran status, Castillo probably hates the idea of moving to bullpen. The Seattle Mariners also do not want to decrease his trade value either with such a move. One idea perhaps is a “piggy-back” role for Miller, as Adam Jude describes, where Miller would pitch after Castillo in three to four inning sets.
Regardless, Seattle realizes they have many ways they could go with this positive news. Miller makes his way back to the major league roster with plenty of optimism surrounding his performance.
Seattle Mariners Positive News Update Ahead of Road Trip