Cardinals Place Brendan Donovan on IL: Infield Shuffle

By Oliver Wiener August 23, 2025 18:26

The St. Louis Cardinals faced a setback as they placed All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day injured list due to a left groin strain. This move, announced on August 18, 2025, is retroactive to August 15 and comes after Donovan struggled with discomfort that had been impacting his play over the past few weeks.

Donovan, 28, the Cardinals’ lone All-Star in the 2025 campaign, has been a key figure for the team both offensively and defensively. He entered the IL leading the club with 118 hits, boasting a solid .279 batting average and a .348 on-base percentage, ranking third and second among regular players, respectively. His contributions include nine home runs, 45 RBIs, and a team-leading 25 doubles. Donovan had been managing his groin pain while continuing to play, but the injury eventually took its toll.

The groin strain originated during the Cardinals' 5-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs on August 8, and while Donovan tried to rest and manage the injury with intermittent appearances, it became clear that more comprehensive recovery time was necessary. He missed the final two games against the Cubs, delivered a pinch-hit two-run double on August 11, but subsequently sat out the entire three-game series against the New York Yankees over the weekend.

Reflecting on his status, Donovan expressed his frustration but maintained a team-focused mindset. “It's pretty frustrating. I don’t like sitting around at any time,” he admitted. “We still have a lot of the season left to make a run. But I understand sometimes things happen that are out of your control. What I can control is being a good teammate and trying to get healthy.” He also described how the injury affected his swing and defensive movements, particularly pushing off his rear leg to field ground balls.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol acknowledged the difficult decision to place Donovan on the IL. "We hoped a few days off would be enough, but in pregame today, he just didn’t feel right," Marmol said. "This move was necessary to ensure proper healing and to keep him healthy for the long haul".

In Donovan's absence, the Cardinals recalled infielder José Fermín from Triple-A Memphis. Fermín has impressed this season with a batting average of .350, a .409 on-base percentage, and a 1.009 OPS in 12 major league games, offering a solid replacement option at second base.

The injury to Donovan further complicates the Cardinals’ infield configuration, especially as they continue to navigate a challenging season with other key players sidelined. Center fielder Victor Scott II is also on the 10-day IL with an ankle sprain, and star third baseman Nolan Arenado has been out since late July dealing with a right shoulder strain. The team has been operating with a limited roster for much of August, testing its depth and resilience.

Despite the challenges, Donovan’s season remains commendable as he stepped into a leadership role following Paul Goldschmidt’s departure. His solid offensive numbers and dependable defense have been bright spots for the Cardinals, who are currently trailing in the National League Wild Card race. Donovan’s return will be crucial if the team hopes to sustain any postseason push.

Looking ahead, Donovan is eligible to return starting August 25. His recovery and reintegration will be closely monitored to avoid further setbacks and to maintain his valuable contributions both at the plate and in the field. “I’d love to play as soon as possible but it’s about what the team needs and making sure I come back strong,” Donovan stated.

In summary, Brendan Donovan’s placement on the injured list due to a lingering groin strain forces a key adjustment for the Cardinals at second base. While the team navigates this infield shuffle, Donovan’s health and eventual return remain pivotal for St. Louis' hopes as they continue their 2025 campaign with mixed results and plenty at stake down the stretch.