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Cardinals Provide Timetable on Brendan Donovan Decision Prior to Brewers Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By A. Kazmierczak | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 7:47 PM ET

Prior to beginning a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol provided an update on leading hitter Brendan Donovan.

The 28-year-old second baseman/left fielder remains out of the lineup after departing Tuesday's game with a sprained capsule in the joint of his left big toe. Marmol however, informed Cardinals Beat Writer John Denton, that Donovan was feeling better, would play catch and "move around some" on Thursday.

#STLCards manager Oli Marmol said that 2B/LF Brendan Donovan (left big toe sprain) reported feeling better today. He will play catch today and “move around some.” Whether he goes on the 10-day IL will likely be determined by Friday when Donovan is expected to try and take BP.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) June 12, 2025

As far as whether he would return to the lineup or go on the 10-day IL, Marmol suggested that would likely be determined on Friday after Donovan tries to take batting practice.

Donovan has been enjoying an All-Star caliber season thus far. Through 64 games, he's batting .310 with a team-leading 77 hits and 26 RBIs. He's also slugging .440 and has an OPS of .819.

Former Cardinals first-round pick Nolan Gorman has started at second base in Donovan's absence and performed admirably. In his last seven games, Gorman is slashing .389/.450/.778 with two home runs and five RBIs. He's also raised his batting average this month from .189 to .220.

If Donovan does have to go on the 10-day IL, the Cardinals would likely recall infielder Thomas Saggese to replace him. Saggese played 14 games with the big league club in April, hitting an impressive .341 with a Hume run and seven RBIs before being optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

The Cardinals (36-32) currently sit in second place in the NL Central, with the Milwaukee Brewers (36-33) right on their heels, only a half game back.

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

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