The Seattle Mariners received an encouraging injury update before Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds as Brendan Donovan continued progressing toward his return. According to Adam Jude, Donovan will resume his rehab assignment with High-A Everett after previously appearing for Triple-A Tacoma, another step in his recovery from a left groin strain.
Donovan has been sidelined since late May and is working his way back carefully after missing nearly two months. Seattle plans to continue increasing his workload before determining when he's ready to rejoin the major league roster.
Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-team trade before the season, Donovan made an immediate impact when healthy. He appeared in 25 games, slashing .274/.386/.452 with three home runs and eight RBIs before suffering the injury. It is his second injured list stint of the year after recovering from offseason sports hernia surgery.
During Donovan's absence, several Mariners have helped keep the offense afloat. Randy Arozarena leads the club with a .284 batting average and .381 on-base percentage, while Luke Raley paces the team with 15 home runs. Rookie infielder Cole Young has also stepped up with a team-high 48 RBIs and 13 homers.
The Mariners enter Tuesday's matchup with a 51-50 record, holding first place in the American League West. Seattle owns a slim half-game lead over the Texas Rangers, while the Houston Astros sit 3.5 games back in third place.
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Donovan's continued rehab is another positive development for a Seattle club trying to maintain its position atop the division during the second half.
If he continues progressing without setbacks, the versatile infielder could soon provide another quality bat and defensive option as the Mariners battle to stay ahead in the AL West race.
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