Mariners’ Dan Wilson Shares Brendan Donovan Injury Update After Leaving Rangers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Hudson | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 2:23 PM ET

Following a 5-0 loss to the Texas Rangers, the Seattle Mariners are looking to bounce back in their next game. Manager Dan Wilson offered an update on third baseman Brendan Donovan, who exited the game after speaking with trainers in the dugout. Donovan was removed before the top of the fourth inning because of a hip issue, Wilson said, noting it is unrelated to the right groin problem he dealt with earlier in Anaheim (h/t Zac Hereth of SeattleSports).

He struggled before the injury, going 0-for-2 with one runner left on base. More broadly, Seattle never found its rhythm, appearing out of sync on both sides of the ball in a performance that fell short of its usual standard.

Dan Wilson said Brendan Donovan left tonight’s game with a hip issue, not related to what he dealt with in Anaheim. Expects to know more tomorrow.
— Zac Hereth (@ZacHereth) April 18, 2026

There is optimism surrounding Donovan’s injury, as it does not appear serious, and the Mariners hope to have him back in the lineup soon. Known for his high-contact approach, disciplined eye at the plate, and defensive versatility, Donovan has been a key contributor this season.

Through 18 games, he is hitting .304 with a .437 on-base percentage and a .954 OPS, along with three home runs and eight RBIs. Seattle is counting on him to maintain that level of production after a strong 2025 campaign that earned him an All-Star nod.

Last season, Donovan played in 118 games and posted a .287 batting average, a .353 on-base percentage, and a .775 OPS, while adding 10 home runs and 50 RBIs. If he returns quickly, his presence should provide a steady boost to the Mariners’ lineup.

Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) © Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Donovan has developed into one of the league’s premier utility players, capable of impacting the game across the infield and outfield. The St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the seventh round (No. 213 overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft out of the University of South Alabama, and he debuted in 2022, winning the inaugural National League Gold Glove Award for a utility player. He later earned an All-Star nod before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team deal in February 2026.

Known for elite contact and plate discipline, He rarely strikes out and consistently produces a high on-base percentage. He pairs that approach with defensive versatility, handling second base, third base, and corner outfield spots with reliability.

Donovan signed a one-year, $5.8 million deal in 2026 to avoid arbitration and remains under team control through 2027, with free agency looming in 2028.

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

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