The St. Louis Cardinals are on the outside looking in for a postseason spot, but are only 5.5 games back, and could make a run for the final wild card spot. Unfortunately, with the injuries to the roster, such a run is unlikely.
A big reason why the Cardinals’ postseason odds don’t look great, other than selling at the trade deadline, is the injuries the team is dealing with this season. Willson Contreras had missed a few games, and Nolan Arenado is on the injured list.
And unfortunately, according to an announcement from the Cardinals, Arenado isn’t alone on the injured list. Brendan Donovan is being placed on the injured list, retroactive to August 15th, with a left groin strain.
INF José Fermín has been recalled from Memphis (AAA).
INF/OF Brendan Donovan has been placed on the 10-day IL (left groin strain), retroactive to Aug. 15. pic.twitter.com/UAVJjDWEER
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 18, 2025
Donovan Hits Injured List Amid Strong Season
This move is a tough blow for the Cardinals and for Donovan amid his All-Star season. He has been one of the better hitters on the team this season, and now, he’s hitting the injured list after playing in nearly every game this season.
The 28-year-old has been very strong for the Cardinals, hitting .279 on the year with nine home runs, 45 RBIs, 118 hits, 25 doubles, 57 runs scored, and a solid .750 OPS.
Donovan was in the middle of his fourth season in the Majors, and it was arguably his best. While his OPS in 2024 was a little higher at .759, he’s been an overall incredible player this season.
MORE: Cardinals’ pair of left-handed-hitting outfielders could be dealt in offseason
He has the fourth-highest OPS on the team this season and has been integral to the team’s success in 2025. But now, he’s hitting the 10-day injured list and will miss some time.
Jose Fermin takes his place, and while he’s had limited action, just 12 games and three starts total, he has a .350 batting average and a 1.009 OPS.
Donovan hits the injured list after suffering a groin injury, and he’s set to miss some time. He could return later this season, but with a little over a month left, Donovan likely doesn’t have much more playing time left this season.
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