Brendan Donovan
Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
April 8, 2026
Belts leadoff homer Tuesday
Donovan went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk during the Mariners' 3-2 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday.
Analysis
Donovan wasted no time getting the Mariners on the board, taking the first pitch of the game from Nathan Eovaldi deep to right field for a solo long shot. It was Donovan's third home run of the season, and he appears to be past the groin injury that caused him to miss the Mariners' final two games of the weekend series against the Angels. He has gone 12-for-35 (.343) with a steal and five RBI to open the season.
April 6, 2026
Rejoining lineup Monday
Donovan (groin) will start at third base and bat leadoff in Monday's game against the Rangers.
Analysis
Donovan was held out of the lineup for the final two games of the Mariners' weekend series versus the Angels due to a left groin injury, but a couple days of rest appears to be all he needed to move past the issue. Leo Rivas had manned third base Saturday and Sunday but will slide back over to shortstop while Donovan slots back in at the hot corner.
April 5, 2026
Not starting Sunday
Donovan (groin) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.
Analysis
The 28-year-old departed Friday's contest due to a groin issue and will be held out of the lineup Sunday for a second straight game. Donovan had medical imaging come back clean, so he could rejoin the starting nine within the next couple days. Leo Rivas is receiving another start at third base Sunday for Seattle.
April 5, 2026
Feeling good, imaging clean
Donovan (groin) said Saturday that he was feeling good and that his imaging came back clean, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Analysis
Donovan landed awkwardly on the first-base bag Friday while attempting to leg out an infield single, which led to his departure from the contest. He underwent imaging but suggested it was mostly precautionary after he underwent sports hernia surgery at the end of last season. While Donovan was held out of the lineup Saturday, he went through agility work pregame and doesn't currently appear in danger of missing extended time.
April 4, 2026
Undergoes imaging, still day-to-day
Donovan (groin) underwent imaging Saturday and remains day-to-day for the time being, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Analysis
Seattle's medical staff will go over the results of the imaging, at which point the team will have a better idea of the situation. Per Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com, manager Dan Wilson said Donovan was moving around well Saturday after the groin injury forced the second baseman from Friday's game. Donovan was off to a great start to begin his Mariners career, going 10-for-27 with two homers and a stolen base in eight games.
April 4, 2026
Absent from lineup
Donovan (leg) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Angels.
Analysis
Donovan injured his left leg while attempting beat out an infield hit, and the Mariners will hold him out of Saturday's game to give him a chance to recover. Leo Rivas will man the hot corner in Donovan's stead and bat ninth.
April 4, 2026
Makes early exit Friday
Donovan was removed from Friday's game against the Angels with a potential leg injury, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Analysis
Donovan landed awkwardly on first base while attempting to leg out an infield single in the seventh inning and was replaced on defense to begin the bottom of the frame. The Mariners haven't officially announced that Donovan is dealing with an injury, but it's still possible the 29-year-old tweaked something during the play. If so, Leo Rivas may get an opportunity to start at third base, or the team could bring up Colt Emerson for his MLB debut.