Donovan was called up for the first time by the Cardinals on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan, a seventh-round pick in the 2018 draft, doesn't come with tons of prospect pedigree, but he's hit well throughout his minor-league career. In 242 games as a professional, he's hit .285/.386/.429 with 21 homers and 23 steals. He's started at every position except catcher and center field, making him a good candidate for a bench role. Lars Nootbaar was optioned to Triple-A Memphis to clear a roster spot.

The Cardinals optioned Donovan to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old submitted a .689 OPS over 32 at-bats during spring training and drew praise from manager Oliver Marmol for his versatility and plate approach, so it wouldn't be surprising if Donovan gets a look with the big club early on during the 2022 season. At least for the start of the campaign, however, he'll head to Memphis to play on an everyday basis.

Donovan is making a case to be a utility man on the Cardinals' Opening Day roster, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Oliver Marmol has noticed Donovan not just for his bat (3-for-12 with two walks in spring training) but also his defensive versatility. The 25-year-old is a natural second baseman, but he can also play first and third base in addition to all three outfield spots. He also saw 86 innings at shortstop in the minors last season, where he enjoyed a meteoric rise through the Cardinals' farm system. Donovan played in 108 minor-league games in 2021 at the High-A (25), Double-A (50) and Triple-A (33) levels, posting a combined slash line of .304/.399/.455 with 12 home runs, 66 RBI, 73 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. It's too soon to tell if he'll get his first look at the major-league level this year, but he's got the tools to get his foot in the door.

Donovan had his contract selected by the Cardinals on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Donovan is one of St. Louis' top prospects and has been added to the 40-man roster to shield him from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The 24-year-old began 2021 at Low-A but quickly progressed to Double-A and then Triple-A, where had posted an .868 OPS in 33 games.