Donovan made his Cactus League debut Tuesday against the White Sox. He started at third base and went 2-for-2 with a run scored.

EDGE Analysis

It's an encouraging start to the spring for Donovan, who's expected to open the year as Seattle's primary third baseman and leadoff hitter. Donovan, who was acquired from St. Louis earlier in February, slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 homers across 118 games in 2025.

The Mariners tentatively plan for Donovan to be their primary third baseman in 2026 but will move him around the diamond based on matchups, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cole Young is the favorite to start at second base, though if Colt Emerson outplays him in spring training, the Mariners could go with Emerson at third base and Donovan at second. Donovan is also expected to bat leadoff against both righties and lefties. Acquired from the Cardinals in a trade earlier this week, Donovan sported a .287/.353/.422 batting line with 10 home runs and 32 doubles over 118 contests last season.

The Mariners acquired Donovan from the Cardinals on Monday as part of a three-team deal involving the Rays, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals will receive Jurrangelo Cijntje and Tai Peete from the Mariners and Colton Ledbetter and a compensatory draft pick from the Rays. Ben Williamson will go to Tampa Bay. Second base is Donovan's primary position, but he is also an option to see playing time at third base for Seattle and is a good bet to bat leadoff. Donovan slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 homers over 118 contests for the Cardinals in 2025 and is under team control through the 2027 campaign.

The Cardinals and Donovan avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.8 million contract Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan finished the 2025 season with a .287/.353/.422 batting line, 10 home runs and 32 doubles over 118 contests. He's a strong candidate to be traded before Opening Day, but if that doesn't happen, Donovan will open 2026 as the Cardinals' primary second baseman. He underwent abdominal surgery in October but is fully recovered.

Donovan said Tuesday that he is "full go" in his offseason workouts following Oct. 7 abdominal surgery, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan played through an injury to his abdominal wall for much of the second half before getting shut down late in the year and then having surgery. His offseason workouts are no longer restricted and he will arrive at spring training 100 percent. What team Donovan reports to in February remains to be seen, as he's widely expected to be traded this offseason. The Giants and Mariners reportedly are leading a pack of interested teams to land the super utility player.

Donovan underwent surgery Oct. 7 to repair a sports hernia, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan had dealt with a nagging groin issue for much of the second half before eventually being shut down. Last week's operation should not affect his availability for the beginning of spring training, barring any setbacks. Donovan made his first All-Star team in 2025, finishing with a .287/.353/.422 batting line, 10 home runs and 32 doubles over 118 contests.

Donovan is expected to play only in an emergency during the Cardinals' final series of the season against the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports

EDGE Analysis

Donovan is banged up, tending to general soreness and a groin injury. Now that the Cardinals are eliminated from the postseason, the club has no incentive to put him on the lineup card over the final few games. While Donovan is idle, look for Nolan Gorman or Jose Fermin to handle second base duties. Donovan will likely end the season with a .287/.353/.422 slash line, 10 home runs, 50 RBI and 64 runs in 515 plate appearances.

Donovan is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan has been battling general soreness and a minor groin injury this week, and he'll get the day off Friday to rest. In his place, Nolan Gorman will bat fifth and play second base.

Donovan went 4-for-5 with four doubles, one RBI and one run scored in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan missed Monday's game due to groin tightness, but he was able to get cleared in time to play Tuesday. He played a vital role in the Cardinals' offense in this game with the quartet of two-baggers. He's up to 31 doubles on the year, which is three shy of his career-high total from 153 games last season. Donovan has added a .287/.354/.421 slash line with 10 home runs, 49 RBI, 63 runs scored and three stolen bases over 117 contests in 2025.

Donovan (groin) will start at second base and bat leadoff Tuesday against the Giants, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan was left off the first iteration of St. Louis' lineup Tuesday, but he's now been cleared to play after sitting out Monday's game with groin tightness. The 28-year-old has slashed .321/.367/.500 over 30 plate appearances since returning from the injured list Sept. 12.