The St. Louis Cardinals had to adjust their plans Saturday night when All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan was scratched from the starting lineup shortly before first pitch. The team cited tightness in Donovan’s left groin and said the decision was made out of caution.
St. Louis makes last-minute lineup change against Cubs
Donovan had been set to bat leadoff against the Chicago Cubs. Instead, Thomas Saggese stepped in at second base, and Lars Nootbaar slid into the top spot in the batting order.
This season marks Donovan’s first All-Star selection, and he has been a key part of the Cardinals’ offense. He leads the club with 115 hits and holds a .278 batting average. But the second half of the year has been a struggle for him. Since the All-Star break, he has hit just .188 with only three extra-base hits. Over his last 11 games, all five of his hits have been singles.
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The Cardinals will monitor Donovan’s condition as they continue their series with Chicago, looking to keep him healthy for the stretch run.
St. Louis is playing the second of nine straight home games. Following the Cubs leaving on Sunday, the Cardinals will welcome the Rockies and Yankees to town. St. Louis started Saturday 4.5 games out of the final National League wildcard spot.
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