Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals All-Star Injury: What We Know About Brendan Donovan

The Cardinals got some bad news on Saturday...
Patrick McAvoy|
Aug 2, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan (33) makes a throw to first base for an out during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
Aug 2, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan (33) makes a throw to first base for an out during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | David Frerker-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals got some bad news on Saturday.

Ahead of the Cardinals' clash against the Chicago Cubs, it was announced that All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan was scratched from the linup. MLB.com's John Denton shared the news on social media.

"Cardinals leadoff hitter Brendan Donovan has been scratched from tonight’s starting lineup for precautionary reasons due to left groin tightness, per the club," Denton said.

Cardinals All-Star forced out of lineup vs. Cubs: What's next?

St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan
Aug 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

In Donovan's place, the Cardinals inserted Thomas Saggese in the starting lineup, as shared by Denton on social media.

"Here is the Cardinals' new lineup with Brendan Donovan (left groin tightness) scratched from the starting lineup. Lars Nootbaar leads off and Thomas Saggese starts at second base."

When the Cardinals announced the move, they noted on Saturday that it was for precautionary reasons. As of writing, there hasn't been much else reported on the matter. Donovan has been a revelation for the Cardinals this season. Entering the season, he moved into a leadership role in the organization that was open with Paul Goldschmidt leaving the team and signing with the New York Yankees in free agency.

Donovan is a leader in the organization and also is having the best season of his career to this point. In 107 games, Donovan is slashing .278/.349/.402 with nine homers, 43 RBIs, 24 doubles.

With the club announcing that Donovan was being removed from action on Saturday due to precaution, that should be a positive sign at the very least that he shouldn't be out for long. But, that's speculation at this time. As more information is released, it will be provided here. Donovan is an engine that has kept this offense moving throughout an up-and-down season overall for the organization. Hopefully, we're able to Donovan back in the lineup as soon as possible.

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu

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