Cardinals' Oli Marmol Announces Disappointing Brendan Donovan Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 7:41 PM ET

The St. Louis Cardinals have been without All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan since mid-August, when he suffered a left groin strain during a game against the Colorado Rockies.

The team has struggled in his absence and now sits 6.5 games out of the National League wild card race, with time running out to gain ground.

Before the injury, Donovan was having the best season of his four-year career, emerging as one of St. Louis’s most dangerous left-handed offensive threats and earning the team’s lone All-Star selection.

The 28-year-old German native posted a .279 batting average, .348 on-base percentage, .750 OPS, nine home runs, and 45 RBIs while offering manager Oli Marmol valuable positional versatility.

Brendan Donovan Injury Update

Ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Marmol provided a disappointing update on Donovan’s status.

“#STLCards All-Star Brendan Donovan (foot/groin pain) is still working through soreness and hasn’t advanced much past cage work, manager Oli Marmol said. Nolan Arenado (right shoulder strain) is in the early stages of his throwing program in Jupiter, Fla., Marmol noted,” wrote MLB.com’s John Denton.

#STLCards All-Star Brendan Donovan (foot/groin pain) is still working through soreness and hasn’t advanced much past cage work, manager Oli Marmol said.

Nolan Arenado (right shoulder strain) is in the early stages of his throwing program in Jupiter, Fla., Marmol noted.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) August 27, 2025

With Donovan not making progress, the window for a return is narrowing. If the Cardinals continue to fall further out of contention, the team may opt to shut him down for the remainder of the season—especially given his importance to their long-term plans.

St. Louis had the opportunity to move Donovan at the trade deadline but chose to hold onto him, at least through the offseason. He remains under team control for two more seasons and is set to enter unrestricted free agency after 2027.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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