Brendan Donovan
YEARTEAMGABRHitsRBIDTHRBBSOSBCSEAVGOBPSLUG
2023Wowies12648069111292827838342200.2310.3600.342
2024Wowies9237157963912013417721120.2590.3450.396
2025Wowies218015251280210120000.3120.4150.487
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 28 2025Donovan went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks, two total runs and two total RBI in Saturday's 9-6 victory versus the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan set the tone for the high-scoring matchup when he led off the contest with a 391-foot homer. The versatile veteran added a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning while also drawing multiple free passes for just the third time this season. Donovan has been slumping of late, batting just .158 (6-for-38) over his past 10 games, but he's still hitting a strong .302 on the campaign.
Jun 23 2025Donovan went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's 8-2 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals slugged four two-run homers off Chicago starter Ben Brown, with Donovan's coming in the fifth frame. It was a rare show of power by the utility man, as he had gone 17 games without hitting a long ball and has just five homers on the campaign. Nonetheless, Donovan has been a key part of the Cardinals' offense this season, slashing .307/.375/.437 with 29 RBI, 42 runs scored and three stolen bases through 71 games.
Jun 19 2025Donovan is not in the lineup for the first game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals will go with Nolan Gorman at second base in the first game of the twin bill. Donovan should be back in the lineup for the second game of the day.
Jun 18 2025Donovan went 4-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan paced the Cardinals in hits on a night they put up 12 runs. He's having a breakout campaign on offense and currently leads National League second basemen in numerous hitting categories. For the season, he's slashing .323/.388/.451 with four homers, 27 RBI, 38 runs, three steals and a 22:39 BB:K in 287 plate appearances.
Jun 15 2025Donovan (toe) will start at second base and bat leadoff Sunday against the Brewers, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan hasn't seen the field since Tuesday due to sprained left big toe, but he's good to go for Sunday's series finale in Milwaukee. He'll wear a carbon-fiber orthotic in his shoe to help manage his return from the injury. Donovan was off to a slow start in June prior to the injury and has a .200/.317/.257 slash line through nine games this month.
Jun 14 2025Donovan (toe) expects to return to the lineup Sunday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan took batting practice and fielded ground balls Saturday and was pain-free afterward. He will wear a carbon-fiber orthotic in his shoe in the short term, but it appears that he will avoid a stint on the injured list after missing the past four games.
Jun 13 2025Donovan (toe) isn't part of the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan is absent from the starting nine for a third straight game but appears to be making progress in his recovery from a sprained left big toe. The 28-year-old participated in a light pregame workout Thursday and was said to be feeling "a lot better." Nolan Gorman will bat seventh and play second base in place of Donovan. Per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Donovan is pushing for a return this weekend, but the Cardinals are willing to give him until Tuesday before placing him on the injured list.
Jun 12 2025Donovan (toe) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's contest in Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll miss a second straight game after departing Tuesday's tilt versus the Blue Jays with a sprained capsule in the joint of his left big toe. The current expectation is that Donovan will be able to avoid a stint on the 10-day injured list, but he'll need to show improvement in the coming days. Nolan Gorman is getting another start at second base Thursday.
Jun 11 2025Donovan told reporters Wednesday that an MRI revealed a sprained capsule in the joint of his left big toe, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan added that going on the injured list is a "worst case" scenario and appeared optimistic that an IL stint isn't necessary. That puts his availability for the Cardinals' upcoming four-game road series against the Brewers in jeopardy and would open the door for Nolan Gorman to see more work at the keystone. Donovan has gone 7-for-35 (.200) with four runs scored and two RBI since the beginning of June.
Jun 10 2025Donovan was removed from Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays due to toe discomfort, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unclear what caused Donovan's injury, but his toe forced him out of the game in the ninth inning after he had gone 0-for-3 with a run scored. Fantasy managers can consider him day-to-day for now, though Nolan Gorman could pick up some additional starts at second base if Donovan has to miss any amount of time.
May 28 2025Donovan went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan looked healthy after missing Tuesday's contest with hip tightness, smacking a go-ahead home run in the fifth inning. While the homer was his first since April 18, the 28-year-old has slashed .337/.413/.467 in May with nine doubles, seven RBI and 15 runs scored. That production mirrors his strong season line of .335/.395/.481, along with four home runs, 24 RBI, 31 runs scored and three steals across 229 plate appearances.
May 27 2025Donovan was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's game in Baltimore due to hip tightness, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was penciled in at second base Tuesday, per usual, but the hip issue will instead end a run of 29 straight starts. The 28-year-old, who has a .328/.390/.463 slash line through 52 games this year, is expected to rejoin the starting nine for Wednesday's series finale versus the Orioles. Jordan Walker is replacing Donovan in the lineup with Nolan Gorman shifting to second base.
May 18 2025Donovan went 4-for-5 with a double in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The St. Louis second baseman posted his fourth career four-hit effort in the series finale at Kansas City. Despite not having a homer in May, Donovan has continued to perform well, batting .323 (20-for-62) with six doubles, nine runs scored and four RBI across 16 games this month. Overall, the 28-year-old is slashing .330/.387/.466 with 25 runs scored and 21 RBI through 195 plate appearances.
May 14 2025Donovan went 3-for-5 with a double, one RBI, one walk and two runs scored in a 14-7 win over the Phillies in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan entered this game 0-for-11 over his previous three contests, including an 0-for-4 effort in the matinee contest. That's an unusual cold spell for the utility player -- he had hit safely in the 10 games before that brief slump. Donovan has been a reliable hitter this year, batting .313 with an .824 OPS across 42 contests. He's added three home runs, 20 RBI, 23 runs scored, 12 doubles and three stolen bases while seeing the bulk of his playing time at second base.
Apr 18 2025Donovan went 2-for-4 with a home run and three runs scored in Friday's loss to the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Late in Friday's back-and-forth affair, Donovan launched a solo shot off the right-field foul pole to tie the game at 4-4 in the ninth inning. Friday also extended Donovan's hitting streak to 14 games, during which the utility man is batting .463 (25-for-54), two homers, six doubles, 10 RBI and 10 runs scored. Among qualifiers, Donovan leads the National League with a .380 batting average over 20 games (79 at-bats) on the young campaign.
Apr 14 2025Donovan went 4-for-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI in Monday's 8-3 win over Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Astros were unable to get Donovan out Monday, as he reached base in all four of his trips to the plate. It was the fourth time this season that the utility man has gotten at least three hits in a game, and he's off to a hot start with the bat, logging a .391/.420/.563 slash line through 69 plate appearances. Donovan is also in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak, during which he's batted a scorching .513 (20-for-39) with eight RBI.
Apr 6 2025Donovan went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, a run scored and a walk in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against Boston. He went 1-for-2 with a run scored in Game 1. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan did not start the first game of the doubleheader but subbed in and collected a hit. He made a much bigger impact in Game 2, knocking RBI doubles in the first and ninth innings, though it wasn't enough to match Boston's 18-run outburst. Donovan has produced three multi-hit performances this season and is now slashing .333/.375/.556 with four extra-base hits and eight RBI through nine games.
Apr 4 2025Donovan went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's 13-9 loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan launched a solo homer off Walker Buehler in the fifth inning and then added RBI singles in the seventh and ninth frames. The 28-year-old is off to a solid start in 2025, hitting .267 with two home runs, six RBI and four runs scored across 33 plate appearances.
Apr 1 2025Donovan hit his first career home run off a left-handed pitcher Monday, taking Tyler Anderson deep in the Cardinals' loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan entered the contest homerless in 335 career plate appearances versus southpaws before hitting one out off Anderson in his first trip to the dish Monday. It was his only hit in five plate appearances. Donovan batted third in the Cardinals' first three games versus righties before hitting sixth against a southpaw Monday.
Mar 24 2025Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that he plans to start Donovan at second base and bat him third in Thursday's opener against the Twins, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Marmol indicated that the Cardinals' lineup for Monday's exhibition game versus Triple-A Memphis -- which features Donovan in the three spot -- is the same setup he is planning for Opening Day. It's a favorable RBI spot for Donovan, who will bat behind Lars Nootbaar and Willson Contreras.
Mar 14 2025Donovan is expected to assume a super utility role this season for the Cardinals, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Had the club been able to trade Nolan Arenado, it was prepared to play Nolan Gorman at third base and give Donovan the lion's share of reps at second base. The keystone might still be where Donovan plays most, but Gorman will also receive starts there, with Donovan seeing plenty of action in left field, as well, particularly on days Lars Nootbaar plays center field. Donovan is also capable of handling third base, first base and shortstop.
Feb 12 2025Donovan will earn $2.85 million in 2025 after losing his arbitration case Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Arbitration-eligible for the first time, Donovan had been hopeful to work out a multi-year extension with the Cardinals this offseason, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement before the Jan. 9 deadline. He then filed for a $3.3 million salary for 2025, but he'll ultimately have to settle for $450,000 less than that amount after losing his case. The lack of an extension shouldn't affect Donovan's standing in the organization, as he's still expected to serve as a near-everyday player in 2025 after slashing .278/.342/.417 with a career-high 14 home runs and 73 RBI over 652 plate appearances last season.
Sep 30 2024Donovan went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and two walks in Sunday's win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan opened the game's scoring with a solo shot in the third inning and later added an RBI single in the fifth. It was his second straight multi-hit performance and fifth over his last 11 games. During that span, he posted a 1.045 OPS with five extra-base knocks. Donovan finishes the 2024 campaign with a .278/.342/.417 slash line, 73 RBI and 51 extra-base hits through 153 games.
Sep 28 2024Donovan went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and one run scored in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was part of a seventh-inning rally for the Cardinals, producing a two-run double before scoring on a Jordan Walker single. With four multi-hit efforts over his last 10 games, Donovan has put together a strong finish to the campaign. The versatile 27-year-old has a .276/.338/.411 slash line with 13 home runs, five stolen bases, 71 RBI, 64 runs scored, 34 doubles and three triples over 152 games.
Sep 26 2024Donovan is out of the lineup for Thursday's contest in Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan had started each of the previous 12 tilts but will get a breather for Thursday's matinee. Thomas Saggese will hold down second base and bat sixth for the Cardinals.
Sep 19 2024Donvan went 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI in a loss to the Pirates on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan singlehandedly kept the Cardinals' offense from being impotent in the loss -- he notched four of St. Louis' six hits and drove in both of the team's runs. The utility man has reached base safely in 10 straight games, batting a sizzling .429 (15-for-35) with two homers, four runs and seven RBI over that span. Donovan has brought his season average up to .277 with the hot stretch as he seeks to reach the .280 mark for the third time in three big-league campaigns.
Sep 17 2024Donovan went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan picked up his first steal since Aug. 23. He's had a steady September, going 16-for-47 (.340) across 13 contests despite missing some time due to a foot infection. The 27-year-old has supplied middling total in the counting stats with 12 home runs, five steals, 64 RBI and 61 runs scored over 142 contests, but he's been fairly reliable with a .270/.336/.402 slash line while seeing time in left field and at second base for most of the year. He may spend more time in left to close out the campaign with Thomas Saggese getting a look at the keystone.
Sep 12 2024Donovan went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run and a walk in Thursday's 6-1 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan didn't start this contest, receiving some rest after missing time with a foot infection that kept him out of action over the weekend. He delivered when called upon off the bench, drilling a two-run homer in the seventh inning and walking in the eighth as the Cardinals built up their lead in the late innings. Donovan is up to 12 homers this year, three of which he's swatted over his last 17 games. He's added a .272/.337/.405 slash line with 63 RBI, 60 runs scored, 30 doubles and four stolen bases across 137 contests in 2024.
Sep 10 2024Donovan (foot) went 3-for-4 in Tuesday's 3-0 loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan missed two games due to an infection in his foot, but he was able to play all nine innings in the field Tuesday, splitting time between second base and left field. This was his third three-hit game in his last 12 contests, a span in which he's batting .354 (17-for-48) with five extra-base hits and five RBI. The 27-year-old is up to a .270/.334/.398 slash line with 11 home runs, four stolen bases, 61 RBI and 59 runs scored over 135 games this season.
Sep 8 2024Donovan (foot) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was held out of the lineup Saturday due to a foot infection, and he'll remain on the bench for Sunday's series finale. Donovan will have Monday's team off day to aid in his recover ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus the Reds. Jose Fermin is making another start at the keystone for St. Louis.
Sep 7 2024Donovan is sitting out Saturday's game against Seattle due to an infection in his foot, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Oliver Marmol said Donovan's infection makes it painful to put pressure on his foot, but the team is labeling him as day-to-day for the time being. Jose Fermin is slated to start at second base Saturday and would likely continue to do so if Donovan needs to miss any additional games.
Sep 1 2024Donovan went 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored in Sunday's 14-7 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was one of four Cardinals to log three or more hits in the explosive team performance. He's gone 10-for-29 (.345) over his last seven games, earning a pair of three-hit efforts in that span. Donovan is now at a .266/.330/.398 slash line, 11 home runs, 61 RBI, 57 runs scored, 29 doubles, two triples and four stolen bases over 130 contests. He should see steady playing time at second base down the stretch with the Cardinals committing to Jordan Walker seeing everyday at-bats in the outfield.
Aug 31 2024Donovan went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan tied a career high in home runs, going deep for the 11th time this season in the third inning. The 27-year-old has hit safely in five of six games with three extra-base hits and five RBI in that span. On the year, he is hitting .263 with 61 RBI and 54 runs scored across 552 plate appearances.
Aug 27 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in Monday's 7-4 loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan entered Monday just 1-for-18 over his previous five games. He was steady at the plate, though he had few opportunities to help in run production after a poor showing from the heart of the Cardinals' lineup. Donovan has hit .272 (22-for-81) in August and now sports a .266/.331/.393 slash line through 124 contests overall. The utility man has added 10 home runs, 56 RBI, 52 runs scored, 27 doubles, two triples and four stolen bases. Since Nolan Gorman was sent down to Triple-A Memphis, Donovan has been the Cardinals' primary second baseman.
Aug 24 2024Donovan went 1-for-3 with two walks, a solo home run, a second run scored and a stolen base in Friday's 6-1 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Jorge Alcala deep in the sixth inning, snapping a 27-game homerless drought. Donovan has remained a fixture in the Cardinals' lineup this season, but the results have been less than stellar -- the 27-year-old is slashing .266/.333/.393 with 10 home runs, four steals, 50 runs and 56 RBI in 121 contests.
Aug 10 2024Donovan went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 8-5 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has five multi-hit efforts over his last 12 games, batting .326 (14-for-43) in that span. He struggled just after the All-Star break, but he's at least making consistent contact again, though just two of those hits have gone for extra bases. For the season, Donovan is slashing .269/.335/.393 with nine home runs, 53 RBI, 47 runs scored, 24 doubles, one triple and three stolen bases across 110 contests.
Aug 6 2024Donovan is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the Rays, Brendan Schaeffer of KMOV reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Donovan will begin this one on the bench as the Rays throw southpaw Jeffrey Springs. Tommy Pham will be in left field and Nolan Gorman will cover second base.
Aug 3 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan's hitting tailed off late in July, as he ended the month in a 4-for-29 (.138) rut. He's now 4-for-11 over three contests in August, though he hasn't posted an extra-base hit since July 20. Donovan has seen most of his playing time in left field this year, but he's also starting to get more run at second base with outfielder Tommy Pham hitting the ground running in his return to St. Louis while Nolan Gorman is in the midst of a slump. For the season, Donovan is slashing a fine .267/.333/.392 with nine home runs, three stolen bases, 52 RBI, 46 runs scored, 22 doubles and a triple over 105 contests.
Jul 21 2024Donovan went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in a 9-5 win over Atlanta in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was held hitless in the matinee, just the fourth time in 15 games in July that's happened. He bounced back in the nightcap, hitting a solo shot in the fifth inning and adding a two-run single in the ninth. The 27-year-old is batting .328 in July, and he's up to .275 for the year with a .757 OPS, nine homers, 48 RBI, 44 runs scored, 22 doubles, one triple and three stolen bases over 93 games.
Jul 14 2024Donovan went 3-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 8-3 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has six multi-hit efforts over 13 games in July, going 18-for-52 (.346) in that span. The steal was his first since June 26 and his third of the campaign. The 27-year-old is up to a .276/.345/.411 slash line with eight home runs, 45 RBI, 43 runs scored, 22 doubles and one triple over 91 contests this season. Donovan has primarily played in left field, though he occasionally spells Nolan Gorman at second base or Nolan Arenado at third.
Jul 2 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with a walk, one RBI and one run scored in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan had just six hitless games in June -- two of which were at the start of the month and two more at the end. He got off to a positive start in July with Tuesday's effort, his third three-hit game over his last 11 contests. He's up to a .270/.340/.414 slash line with eight home runs, 42 RBI, 37 runs scored, two stolen bases, 18 doubles and one triple over 79 games. Donovan's hit well enough to have a near-everyday role in left field.
Jun 26 2024Donovan went 2-for-4 with one RBI and one stolen base in a 4-1 win over Atlanta in Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan's eight-game hitting streak ended in the matinee with an 0-for-2 effort, but he bounced back in the nightcap, which was his eighth multi-hit effort in June. The 27-year-old also picked up his second steal of the campaign on his fifth attempt. Donovan is at a .270/.337/.419 slash line with eight home runs, 40 RBI and 35 runs scored across 74 contests. He's seen a majority of his playing time in left field but has also featured at second base, third base, right field and designated hitter as he continue to show some utility skills.
Jun 25 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with one RBI in Monday's 4-3 win over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has been dialed in for much of June. He's hit safely in 17 of his last 18 games, going 26-for-71 (.366) with seven extra-base hits and 14 RBI in that span. The 27-year-old is up to a .269/.333/.420 slash line with eight home runs, 39 RBI, 35 runs scored, 17 doubles, one triple and one stolen base over 72 contests. While he's mostly lost out on leadoff opportunities to Masyn Winn, Donovan is still hitting well deeper in the lineup.
Jun 22 2024Donovan went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a 9-4 win over the Giants on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan singled in the fifth inning then hit a solo home run off Giants reliever Luke Jackson in the seventh. Donovan is on fire, homering for the third time in four games and recording his third straight multi-hit effort. He has hit safely in 15 of 18 June contests with four long balls and 12 RBI. On the season, the 27-year-old is hitting .262 with eight home runs, 37 RBI and 34 runs scored in 275 at-bats.
Jun 21 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan continued to rake Thursday, posting his fourth three-hit game of the campaign and his third multi-hit performance in his last four contests. The outfielder's two-run blast in the first inning gave the Cardinals an early 3-0 lead, while his two-out, RBI single in the fifth added what would prove to be a pivotal insurance run. Donovan is up to seven long balls on the season, with three coming this month and two coming over his last three games. He's batting .299 in June with 11 RBI and seven runs scored.
Jun 19 2024Donovan went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 9-8 extra-inning loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has gone 15-for-51 (.294) over his last 13 games, adding two homers and seven RBI in that span. The 27-year-old got a rare start at third base Tuesday with Nolan Arenado taking a day off, though Donovan has found consistent playing time between left field and second base for much of the year. He's at a .247/.319/.380 slash line with six homers, 32 RBI, 32 runs scored and one stolen base over 67 games.
Jun 13 2024Donovan went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's 4-3 win versus the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old took Mitch Keller deep in the sixth inning for what turned out to be the game-deciding run. Donovan extended his hitting streak to eight contests and snapped a streak of 26 games without a homer in the process. He has gone 10-for-30 (.333) during his hitting streak and now carries a .248/.325/.380 slash line with five home runs and 29 RBI for the season.
Jun 12 2024Donovan went 2-for-3 with a walk, one RBI, a stolen base and one run scored in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan extended his hitting streak to seven games. He's gone 9-for-27 (.333) in that span, but just one of those hits has gone for extra bases. The 27-year-old's steal Wednesday was his first of the season, though he's not much of a speed threat after logging just five thefts in 95 games a year ago. Donovan is up to a .247/.322/.368 slash line with four home runs, 28 RBI, 30 runs scored, 15 doubles and one triple over 270 plate appearances this season. He spent much of the first two months of the season batting leadoff versus right-handed pitchers, but Masyn Winn is now atop the order on a near-everyday basis, having hit there in all but two of 11 games in June. Donovan has hit no higher than sixth over the last week.
Jun 3 2024Donovan (neck) will start in left field and bat sixth in Monday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan is back in action Monday after a stiff neck kept him out of the entirety of the Cardinals' three-game series with the Phillies over the weekend. The 27-year-old had been serving as the Cardinals' leadoff man against right-handed pitching prior to suffering the neck injury, but Donovan may have lost that role to Masyn Winn. The second-year shortstop will bat atop the order in the series opener in Houston while Donovan drops to sixth against Astros righty Justin Verlander.
Jun 2 2024Donovan (neck) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old will be withheld from the starting nine for the third consecutive game due to neck stiffness. According to John Denton of MLB.com, Donovan is expected to take swings in the batting cage Sunday and could be back in action Monday against the Astros. Alec Burleson will start in left field for the series finale while Matt Carpenter receives a turn at designated hitter.
Jun 1 2024Donovan (neck) isn't in the Cardinals' lineup Saturday against Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Neck stiffness caused Donovan to be scratched from St. Louis' lineup before Friday's contest, and the issue seems to still be bothering him Saturday. Alec Burleson, Mike Siani and Dylan Carlson will start across the outfield while Donovan sits, allowing Jose Fermin to serve as the designated hitter.
May 31 2024Donovan, who was set to start in left field and bat in the leadoff spot Friday against the Phillies, was scratched from the Cardinals' lineup due to neck stiffness, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Dylan Carlson will enter the lineup and start in right field, while Alec Burleson shifts to left field and Matt Carpenter moves up to the leadoff spot, per John Denton of MLB.com.
May 29 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with a double and a hit-by-pitch in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Donovan's third multi-hit effort in the last five games. He's now gone 17-for-49 (.347) over his last 13 contests, though he has zero home runs and six doubles in that span. The 27-year-old is up to a .245/.326/.382 slash line with four homers, 25 RBI, 26 runs scored, 14 doubles, one triple and no stolen bases over 233 plate appearances this season. Donovan's lack of steals and mediocre sprint speed -- in the 42nd percentile, per Statcast -- makes him an odd fit for the leadoff role, but that's where he's hit for most of the campaign. Masyn Winn has also seen time at leadoff versus left-handed pitchers recently, but Donovan remains atop the order versus righties.
May 10 2024Donovan isn't in the Cardinals' lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Robert Gasser will make his MLB debut Friday as Milwaukee's starting pitcher, meaning the left-handed bat of Donovan will watch the beginning of the game from the Cardinals' dugout. Lars Nootbaar, Mike Siani and Dylan Carlson will start across St. Louis' outfield while Donovan sits.
May 8 2024Donovan is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Jose Quintana toeing the slab for the Mets, the Cardinals have elected to give the left-handed-hitting Donovan a breather. Lars Nootbaar will fill in for Donovan in left field.
Apr 30 2024Donovan went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in an 11-6 loss to the Tigers in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan sparked the Cardinals' fifth-inning rally with his homer. The utility man had hit safely in five straight games before going 0-for-4 in the matinee contest. Donovan is slashing .228/.311/.377 with three homers, 16 RBI, 13 runs scored and no stolen bases over 132 plate appearances this season. He remains the Cardinals' preferred leadoff batter and left fielder despite his mediocre hitting so far.
Apr 13 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with a triple, one RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 9-6 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan took a turn at designated hitter in Lars Nootbaar's first game back from a rib injury. Defensively, Donovan is better suited to play second base than Nolan Gorman, and that's likely how the Cardinals will line up against right-handed pitchers going forward. Donovan is batting .298 with two home runs, nine RBI, 10 runs scored, four doubles and a triple over 13 contests as the leadoff hitter. He's also been caught stealing on his only attempt this season.
Apr 10 2024Donovan went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan entered Wednesday 0-for-11 with two walks over his previous three games. He connected in his second at-bat, tying the game with a solo shot in the third inning. The 27-year-old has started six of the last seven games in left field, but he could move to second base once Lars Nootbaar (ribs) and Willson Contreras (hand) are able to play at their respective positions. The ripple effects of the Cardinals getting healthier could also result in Nolan Gorman at designated hitter more often. Donovan is batting .256 with two homers, eight RBI, eight runs scored and eight runs scored through 12 contests as the team's primary leadoff hitter, so it's unlikely his playing time drops off.
Apr 6 2024Donovan (elbow) is starting in left field Saturday against the Marlins, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was hit by two pitches during Wednesday's game against the Padres, prompting a day off Thursday to recover. Now seemingly healthy, the 27-year-old super-utility man will return to the top of the Cardinals' lineup and look to stay hot after slashing .308/.438/.500 to begin the year.
Apr 4 2024Donovan (elbow) is expected to return to the lineup Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was dealing with bruising and lingering pain after being hit by pitches in the elbow and bicep early in the season. He sat Thursday as a result, but he isn't expected to miss further time.
Apr 3 2024Donovan was removed from Wednesday's game versus the Padres after getting hit by a pitch, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan became the fourth Cardinal to get hit by a pitch Wednesday when he took a 95-mph sinker off his elbow during the top of the eighth inning -- his second HBP of the game. He remained in to run the bases but was replaced in left field by Mike Siani before the bottom half of the frame. The severity of Donovan's injury is unknown, but getting hit by two pitches may prompt a day off Thursday versus Miami at the very least.
Apr 1 2024Donovan went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, a double, a walk and three total runs in a 6-2 win against the Padres on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan capped the scoring for St. Louis with a two-run blast to right field in the sixth inning. He added a single and a double for his first multi-hit game of the campaign. Prior to Monday, Donovan had gone just 2-for-18 with six strikeouts, but he has batted leadoff while starting in left field for each of St. Louis' five games so far, so he appears to be set in that role.
Mar 9 2024Donovan is expected to get some playing time in the outfield next week, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was limited to second base early in camp, but manager Oliver Marmol is loosening the reins on his super-utility player. Once the season starts, it's unlikely Donovan will need to play right field much, but he could be valuable cover in left field with Lars Nootbaar (ribs) likely to miss time at the start of 2024. Donovan is still projected to see most of his playing time at second base this season, but his versatility gives Marmol options when constructing his lineup on a daily basis.
Feb 29 2024Donovan revealed Thursday that his surgery last August was to repair a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, not the flexor tendon as had been previously reported, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan did deal with a flexor strain last season, but the operation he ultimately had was an internal brace procedure to correct his UCL. The 27-year-old has been limited to second base so far in camp as the Cardinals monitor his throwing, but he's played a couple Grapefruit League games and shouldn't be under any restrictions by the time the season begins.
Feb 19 2024Donovan (elbow) will have his throwing monitored and is likely to play only second base for the time being, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan had surgery last August to repair his right flexor tendon. The utility player had expressed hope last month that he wouldn't be limited at all as camp opened, but evidently the Cardinals have a more cautious plan. Donovan is likely to see most of his action at second base this season but, assuming his elbow cooperates, should play some all over the field.
Jan 15 2024Donovan (elbow) has two weeks left of a throwing program and expects to have no limitations at the start of spring training, Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan underwent surgery in August on his right flexor tendon. The goal, he said Sunday at the Cardinals' Winter Warm-up fan event, is to arrive to spring training and "nobody can tell" he had surgery. Donovan was terrific in 2023 before his season ended in late July, slashing .284/.365/.422 with 11 home runs in 95 contests. Most of his playing time in 2024 will probably come at second base, but he made starts at six different positions last season (not including designated hitter) and will do some bouncing around again as a super utility player.
Nov 7 2023Donovan (elbow) has begun a throwing program at the Cardinals' spring training complex in Florida, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan is coming along in his rehab after undergoing flexor tendon surgery in August. The expectation is that he will be ready to roll once spring training arrives. Donovan is expected to be a regular again for the Cardinals in 2024, although it might not necessarily be at a set position.
Sep 1 2023The Cardinals transferred Donovan (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan underwent season-ending surgery in August to repair the flexor strain in his right elbow, so a move to the 60-day IL was expected. His spot on the 40-man roster will be filled by Ryan Helsley (forearm), who came off the 60-day injured list Friday.
Aug 1 2023The Cardinals placed Donovan on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right elbow strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The move to the IL comes as little surprise after manager Oliver Marmol said earlier in the day that Donovan will undergo season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn flexor in his right (throwing) arm. Tommy Edman (wrist) was reinstated from the 10-day IL in a corresponding move.
Jul 30 2023Donovan is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan will continue to see regular rest days while limited to DH duties due to flexor strain, and he'll sit Sunday for the second time in the past three games. Paul Goldschmidt will rest his legs at designated hitter while Alec Burleson starts at first base.
Jul 28 2023Donovan isn't in the Cardinals' lineup Friday against the Cubs, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 0-for-5 at the plate Thursday, Donovan will take a seat for the beginning of Friday's contest. Willson Contreras will take over as the Cardinals' designated hitter, allowing Andrew Knizner to start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Jul 24 2023Donovan went 3-for-5 with two runs scored in Monday's 10-6 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being out of the lineup from Thursday to Saturday, Donovan has checked back in for each of the last two games. While his persistent flexor strain continues to limit him to designated hitter, he could find himself out of the lineup when other players need to rest their legs. Donovan has gone 10-for-32 (.313) since the All-Star break, and he has a .287/.371/.430 slash line with 11 home runs, 34 RBI, 44 runs scored and four stolen bases over 90 contests this season.
Jul 22 2023Donovan remains on the bench for Saturday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan hasn't taken the field since late June while dealing with a flexor strain, but he's made 10 starts as a designated hitter since then, with his 1.042 OPS indicating that the issue seemingly only affects his ability to throw, not hit. He's nonetheless been stuck on the bench for three straight days, first due to a doctor's visit and then due to a pair of matchups against southpaws. (Righty Michael Fulmer will be the first pitcher on the mound for Chicago on Saturday, but lefty Drew Smyly is expected to handle the bulk innings.) Nolan Arenado will fill the DH spot, with Jose Fermin starting at the hot corner.
Jul 21 2023Donovan's (arm) return to playing the field remains unclear following a visit with an arm specialist in Dallas on Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has been limited to designated hitter duty for the entirety of July because of a right flexor strain. He'll be shut down from throwing for at least another two weeks and it's not clear when, or if, he'll be allowed to play defense again this season. "I don't have a direction we want to go yet," Donovan said. "We're just kind of figuring out the direction he wants us to go." Donovan didn't play Thursday while traveling for his doctor's visit and isn't starting Friday versus a lefty but should be able to DH sometime over the weekend.
Jul 20 2023Donovan will be shut down from throwing for at least another two weeks due to renewed arm irritation, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan had been aiming to return to his usual super-utility role shortly after the All-Star break, but his arm did not respond well to a recent throwing program, and he'll continue to be limited to DH and pinch-hitting duties. He is out of the Cardinals' starting lineup for Thursday's series opener against the Cubs but should be back in the designated hitter role Friday. His injury is being labeled as a "persistent flexor strain," per Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Jul 18 2023Donovan went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Tuesday's 5-2 extra-inning win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan tied the game at 1-1 with his sixth-inning solo shot. The utility man is still about a week away from returning to the field while battling an arm injury. It's had little impact on his hitting -- Donovan has gone 15-for-41 (.366) with three homers and 10 RBI over 11 contests in July. He's up to a .285/.372/.433 slash line with 11 homers, 34 RBI, 41 runs scored and four stolen bases through 85 games. Donovan should remain as the designated hitter until he returns to the field.
Jul 17 2023Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that Donovan (arm) is still about a week away from being cleared to play the field, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan resumed some throwing drills over the weekend as he works his way back from a right arm issue, but he'll remain limited to designated hitter duty for a while longer. It hasn't affected him at the plate, as the 26-year-old is sporting a 1.047 OPS so far in July.
Jul 15 2023Donovan went 2-for-8 with a home run, a triple, five RBI and two runs scored across both halves of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan supplied a game-tying homer after play resumed from Friday's suspended contest. In the nightcap, he added a two-run triple in the second inning. The versatile 26-year-old has been hampered by an arm injury lately, which has limited him to designated hitter, but his bat has been too good to come out of the lineup. He's gone 12-for-33 (.364) over nine contests since he was cleared to return as the DH. Donovan is slashing .282/.367/.411 with nine home runs, 29 RBI, 38 runs scored and four stolen bases through 83 games this season.
Jul 14 2023Donovan is dealing with an arm injury that is limiting him to designated hitter duties Friday against the National, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is in the midst of a throwing program, and the hope is that he can return to the field soon. There isn't as much of a time crunch for Donovan with Tommy Edman (wrist) and Tyler O'Neill (back) on the injured list, although O'Neill is due back soon.
Jul 9 2023Donovan is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has been limited to serving as St. Louis' designated hitter over the past week while dealing with arm pain, though he's still found plenty of success at the plate with a 1.004 OPS in his last eight contests. Donovan is scheduled to start a throwing program during the All-Star break, per Jones, though it'll likely be at least a couple more weeks before he's potentially cleared to play in the field.
Jul 8 2023Donovoan went 3-for-5 in Friday's 8-7 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has a trio of three-hit efforts over his first five games in July. He remains stuck at designated hitter due to a no-throw program to mitigate his arm soreness. His bat's been too hot to keep out of the lineup even with the injury. Donovan owns a strong .289/.375/.415 slash line with nine home runs, 26 RBI, 37 runs scored and four stolen bases over 79 contests.
Jul 6 2023Donovan went 3-for-5 in Wednesday's 10-9 loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan racked up three singles while serving as the designated hitter, as arm soreness will prevent him from playing the field until after the All-Star break. The 26-year-old's hitting hasn't been negatively impacted by the arm issue thus far -- he's 10-for-18 over his last five games. His defensive versatility usually helps to keep him in the lineup, so it's unclear how often he'll be in the lineup over the next four days before the break. He's slashing a steady .288/.378/.419 through 77 contests this season.
Jul 5 2023Donovan (arm) is serving as the Cardinals' designated hitter and batting leadoff Wednesday versus the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan will be on a no-throw program through the All-Star break as he battles through some arm pain, but he's able to swing the bat without issue and will function as the Cardinals' tablesetter Wednesday in Miami. Nolan Gorman is covering second base and batting sixth.
Jul 4 2023Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Tuesday that Donovan will be on a no-throw program through the All-Star break due to arm pain, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan is out of the Cardinals' lineup for a second straight game Tuesday against the Marlins and will be limited to DH and pinch-hitting duties when he does play. The hope is that the versatile 26-year-old can get back into the field later this month, maybe even right after the All-Star break. There's no word of any structural damage in his right (throwing) arm.
Jul 3 2023Donovan is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan previously sat out both ends of a doubleheader Saturday against the Yankees while battling an arm injury, but he returned to the lineup for Sunday's 5-1 win over New York and went 3-for-4 with a home run. The Cardinals haven't indicated that he suffered a setback during that contest, so the lefty-hitting Donovan's absence from the lineup Monday likely has more to do with the fact that the Marlins are bringing southpaw Braxton Garrett to the hill.
Jul 2 2023Donovan (arm) is batting leadoff as the designated hitter Sunday against the Yankees, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatchreports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old didn't make an appearance during Saturday's doubleheader while contending with right arm soreness, but he'll return to the lineup for Sunday's series finale. Donovan is coming off a strong June, during which he had a .307/.402/.443 slash line with three doubles, three home runs, 11 RBI and 12 runs in 23 games.
Jul 1 2023Donovan (arm) remains out for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was scratched from Friday's lineup with arm soreness --the game was ultimately postponed -- and has missed both games of Saturday's doubleheader. The team announced he wouldn't be able to field a position for a few days, though he was expected to be available to serve as the designated hitter.
Jun 30 2023Donovan (arm) will not be able to throw for the next few days, but he will be available to hit and serve as a designated hitter, Katie Woo of The Athleticreports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan was scratched from Friday's lineup due to soreness in his right arm, and the infielder has reportedly been dealing with the issue for a while. Donovan could be back in the starting lineup as the DH for the Cardinals starting Saturday, but fantasy GMs will want to make sure to see if he's back in the lineup.
Jun 29 2023Donovan went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored in Wednesday's 10-7 loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan notched his eighth multi-hit game across 22 June appearances, slashing .310/.408/.452 during that stretch. It's been a mixed bag for Donovan thus far, as he was solid to start the year but hit a rough patch in May. It's encouraging to see him back on track in June, and the 26-year-old should continue getting regular looks at second base, even against left-hander starters.
Jun 21 2023Donovan went 3-for-5 in Tuesday's win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan tallied three hits for the second time over his last three games, but he was unable to contribute to any of the Cardinals' nine runs on the evening. The 26-year-old continues to make consistent contact at the plate, as he's now slashing .396/.453/.521 in 11 games since June 9. Donovan had made just five starts against lefties coming into Tuesday but was kept in the lineup against lefty MacKenzie Gore and showed off his skill set by picking up two hits against him. For the year, the utility man is slashing .274/.361/.396 with seven homers, 21 RBI, 33 runs and a 26:39 BB:K over 263 plate appearances.
Jun 18 2023Donovan went 3-for-5 with a double, one RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 8-7 win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has been seeing the ball well lately, going 15-for-39 (.385) over his last nine games, a span that includes five multi-hit efforts. He continues to be a versatile utility man, capable of filling in all around the diamond while rarely hitting the bench. Donovan's recent surge has him up to a .267/.356/.380 slash line, six home runs, 18 RBI, 32 runs scored and four stolen bases through 66 contests.
Jun 9 2023Donovan went 3-for-5 with one RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 7-4 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan has started June a bit uneven, going 6-for-25 (.240) over his last seven games. The versatile 26-year-old did well atop the order Friday -- he's settled in as the leadoff hitter versus right-handers. Donovan's up to a .251/.344/.369 slash line with six home runs, 16 RBI, 27 runs scored and four stolen bases through 215 plate appearances this season. While the counting starts are not overly impressive, that's mainly been a problem caused by the Cardinals' inconsistent offense.
Jun 4 2023Donovan is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Donovan will get a breather in the series finale with St. Louis opposing a left-handed starting pitcher (Rich Hill). Donovan had started in each of the Cardinals' last 10 games, slashing .273/.415/.576 with three home runs and two stolen bases. With all of Tyler O'Neill (back), Dylan Carlson (ankle) and Lars Nootbaar (back) on the injured list, Donovan should be a near-everyday player in the corner outfield for the foreseeable future.
Jun 3 2023Donovan went 1-for-4 with a walk and a two-run home run in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He opened the scoring on the night by taking Roansy Contreras deep in the third inning for his sixth homer of the year. Donovan has been holding down an everyday role due to multiple injuries in the Cardinals' outfield, and while he got his June off to a quick start, the grind took its toll in May -- the 26-year-old finished the month with a .228/.358/.354 slash line.
Jun 2 2023Donovan is starting in left field and batting leadoff Friday in Pittsburgh, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Lars Nootbaar (back) landing on the injured list, Donovan could be the Cardinals' regular leadoff man against right-handers for a bit. He's sporting a .253/.344/.370 slash line with five home runs and four stolen bases on the season.
May 27 2023Donovan went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks, two total runs and a stolen base in a 2-1 extra-inning win against Cleveland on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: St. Louis managed only two hits in the contest, with one of them being Donovan's solo homer in the second inning. The utility man used his legs to notch the team's only other run, swiping third base as the automatic runner in the 10th and coming home to score on a passed ball. Donovan has reached base safely in seven straight games, batting .368 (7-for-19) with two homers, seven runs, two RBI, seven walks and two thefts over that span.
May 23 2023Donovan went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Tuesday's 8-5 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan filled in at first base with Paul Goldschmidt resting his legs as the designated hitter. Prior to Tuesday's multi-hit effort, Donovan had gone 1-for-15 in his last five contests. The utility man is slashing .250/.333/.343 with three home runs, three steals, 11 RBI, 20 runs scored and four doubles through 159 plate appearances. His ability to play all around the diamond has helped him maintain fairly regular playing time despite not having a steady position. Most of Donovan's starts lately have come in the outfield with the Cardinals missing Tyler O'Neill (back) and Dylan Carlson (ankle).
May 22 2023Donovan is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Reds, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan will get a breather after he went 1-for-14 with two runs scored, two walks and four strikeouts over the Cardinals' four-game series with the Dodgers. Additionally, left-hander Brandon Williamson is on the mound for the Reds, so righty bat Juan Yepez will take over in left field and bat fifth in the series opener with Cincinnati.
May 13 2023Donovan will sit Saturday against the Red Sox, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Chris Sale is the third consecutive lefty the Cardinals have faced, and Donovan has sat against each of them. He's started just once against a southpaw all season and hasn't done so in over a month.
May 12 2023Donovan isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan will head to the bench for a second consecutive matchup with southpaw James Paxton starting for the Red Sox on Friday. Juan Yepez is taking over in left field and batting fifth.
May 10 2023Donovan is not in the lineup Wednesday versus the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Donovan drew a walk and drove in a run Tuesday while also making a couple of excellent plays in left field, but he'll ride the pine Wednesday with left-hander Justin Steele on the mound for Chicago. Juan Yepez is in left and Tommy Edman is covering second base.
May 8 2023Donovan is starting in left field and batting sixth for the Cardinals on Monday versus the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The trickle-down effect of the Cards' bizarre decision to move Willson Contreras off catcher means Donovan will play a lot more in the outfield while Nolan Gorman handles second base. However, when Tyler O'Neill (back) returns it will create another logjam.
May 5 2023Donovan is not in the lineup Friday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tommy Edman will play second base and bat leadoff with left-hander Matthew Boyd on the mound for Detroit. Paul DeJong is handling shortstop duties and hitting seventh.
May 2 2023Donovan isn't starting Tuesday against the Angels, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Patrick Sandoval slated to start the game for Los Angeles, the left-handed bat of Donovan will take a seat to begin Tuesday's contest. He'll be replaced at second base by Tommy Edman, allowing Paul DeJong to start at shortstop and bat seventh.
Apr 29 2023Donovan is not in Saturday's lineup against the Dodgers, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With tough southpaw Clayton Kershaw starting for the Dodgers, the Cardinals are going with as many righties as possible to start the game. Paul DeJong is starting at shortstop with Tommy Edman at second base.
Apr 27 2023Donovan is not in the starting lineup Thursday at San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tommy Edman will play second base and bat ninth with Paul DeJong taking a turn at shortstop and hitting sixth. Donovan has fallen into a bit of a slump but should remain a key piece of the Cardinals' offensive and defensive blueprint.