St. Louis Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan exited Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with what the club described as left toe pain.
Following a night of rest, the Cardinals released their starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale and Donovan was notably absent.
It appears both Donovan and the team decided extended rest was the right move as they prepare for a six-game road trip starting Thursday in Milwaukee.
Cardinals manager Oli Marmol addressed the injury after the game, saying, “He couldn’t even get off his backside during that last at bat. It was hurting him pretty bad, so we took him out.”
Donovan offered more context, explaining, “I was running around in the outfield, and it just started bugging me. Then it kind of just got progressively worse. I’ll sleep on it, reevaluate tomorrow, and go from there.”
St. Louis Cardinals second base Brendan Donovan (33) returns to the dugout.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
It appears that reevaluation led to the decision to give Donovan the day off.
The 28-year-old has been one of the Cardinals’ most reliable bats this season, slashing .310 with four home runs and 26 RBIs. His presence has played a major role in the team’s surprising early success, especially after low preseason expectations.
With Donovan out, Nolan Gorman will take over at second base. The outfield will feature Lars Nootbaar, who had Tuesday off, alongside Victor Scott II and Alec Burleson.
Fans are already feeling his absence as one person joked on ‘X’, “Anyone know how to donate a big toe?”
While the team hopes the injury isn’t serious, all eyes will be on Donovan’s recovery as the Cardinals prepare for a critical road stretch coming up.