What's Happening?
Brendan Donovan, the St. Louis Cardinals' sole All-Star this season, is nearing a return from the injured list as he prepares for a rehab assignment. Donovan has been sidelined since August 13 due to a groin injury that developed from an initial toe injury. The Cardinals placed him on the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 15. Donovan has been actively participating in full workouts, indicating a potential return to the lineup soon. His performance before the injury included a .279 batting average, .360 on-base percentage, .406 slugging percentage, .750 OPS, and a 2.3 WAR, with nine home runs and 45 RBIs over 110 games. Donovan's versatility has been a significant asset for the Cardinals, as he has started games at second base, shortstop, and left field.
Why It's Important?
Donovan's return is crucial for the Cardinals as they aim to secure a postseason spot in the National League. With only 21 games remaining in the regular season, the team is currently 5.5 games behind the New York Mets for the final NL Wild Card position. Donovan's ability to play multiple positions and his solid batting performance could provide the Cardinals with the necessary boost to overcome their current deficit. His presence in the lineup could enhance the team's chances of making a successful playoff push, impacting their overall strategy and performance in the remaining games.
What's Next?
The Cardinals are looking forward to Donovan's potential activation from the injured list within the next week, which could coincide with their upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants. His return would be timely as the team seeks to capitalize on every opportunity to close the gap in the Wild Card race. The Cardinals' management and coaching staff will likely monitor Donovan's progress closely during his rehab assignment to ensure he is fully prepared for the demands of the remaining season.
