Donovan Back in the Lineup and Asking All the Right Questions at Third Base

Brendan Donovan is back. After getting pulled early in the Angels series with a tweaked groin, the Mariners' infielder was cleared to return to the leadoff spot Monday night against Texas, and he spent the day before the game doing exactly what he does best: asking questions and getting ready.

Out at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Donovan stayed at third base after ground-ball work, chatting with infield coach Perry Hill about the nuances of positioning himself on hard-hit balls. The artificial turf infield plays different than T-Mobile Park and Angel Stadium, the first two stops of the Mariners' season, so every detail matters. Once batting practice rolled around, Donovan was right back at third, working his prep step and reading the bat off the hitters. It's as close to a game rep as you can get in practice, and after sitting out Friday and the weekend, he needed it.

A Groin Scare Turns Into a Precautionary Rest

The injury happened during the Angels series when Donovan tweaked his groin while hustling out a ground ball to second base, lunging awkwardly for first trying to beat the throw. That sent pain up the inside of his left leg, and with his history, the Mariners weren't taking chances. He'd had surgery to repair a sports hernia right after last season ended, so the medical staff pulled him immediately and gave him two days to recover.

"He's feeling a lot better," manager Dan Wilson said heading into Monday's matchup against right-hander Jacob deGrom.

Through his first eight games this season, Donovan was raking: .370/.485/.667 with two doubles, two homers, and four RBI. The guy was locked in, so getting him back healthy matters.

Crawford Getting the Planned Day Off

While Donovan returned to action, shortstop J.P. Crawford sat out the Texas game with Leo Rivas taking over at short. Crawford dealt with shoulder fatigue and inflammation during the early part of the season and was reinstated from the injured list before the Anaheim series started. He played all three games against the Angels, so this was a scheduled breather.

"This is just a normal progression coming out of an injury like he's suffered," Wilson explained. "He is just getting his season started. I think we're in a good spot with that. It's just a chance for him to get a little bit of a rest today and get him back in there tomorrow."

One more piece of Mariners history: April 6 marks the franchise's birthday. Back in 1977, the M's played their first game ever at the Kingdome, dropping 7-0 to the California Angels in front of 57,762 fans. That opening-night crowd is a record that will never be broken.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.