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Mariners Should Plan to Finish Season Without Brendan Donovan After Latest Rehab Detour Its been a common topic that the Mariners dont need to do anything drastic with the trade deadline approaching.
They could look at the injured list, point at Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan looks for the ball during the game between the Rangers and the Mariners at Globe Life Field.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Its been a common topic that the Mariners dont need to do anything drastic with the trade deadline approaching.
They could look at the injured list, point at the names coming back, and convince themselves that the best additions were internal.
Thats always the most convenient deadline plan because it costs nothing.But maybe they should consider throwing that plan away.in Arizona after there had been hope he might begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with an affiliate.
Dan Wilson did not exactly slam the door shut, but his update was not exactly comforting either.
Mariners Cant Afford to Treat Brendan Donovan Like A Sure Thing It sounds like a team walking back what looked like a more promising timeline.Instead, it sounds more like a teamAt this point, the Mariners should plan as if Donovan is not going to be a meaningful contributor down the stretch this season.
If he comes back and helps, thatll be great.
Consider it found money.
But building the deadline around the hope that hes going to return and stabilize the lineup would be reckless.The Mariners gave up real value to get him.
So, its fair for fans to ask the uncomfortable question: did the Mariners get damaged goods? It sounds harsh, but its a fair question.
When a team pays a real prospect price for a player and then spends months waiting for that player to become whole, fans are allowed to wonder exactly what was acquired.Donovan was supposed to help solve problems, not become a problem the Mariners have to explain around.
Players get hurt all the time in unpredictable ways.
The issue is that the timeline keeps getting pushed.
A rehab assignment sounded like the next step.Instead, they pivoted, sending Donovan to Arizona.
You can dress it up as a checkpoint, but this is absolutely a detour.
It also helps explain why Seattle stopped waiting around on the Colt Emerson call.
We knew it was coming eventually, especially after the contract extension.Some even wondered whether Donovans injury situation accelerated the timeline.
Well, Donovan and Emerson have still never played a game together.
Tremayne Person is the Publisher for Mariners On SI and the Site Expert at Friars on Base, with additional bylines across FanSideds MLB division.
He founded the Keep It Electric podcast in 2023 and covers baseball with a blend of analysis, context, and a little well-timed side-eye just to keep things honest.Tremayne grew up a Mariners fan in Richmond, Va.
, and that passion ultimately led him to move to Seattle to cover the team closely and become a regular at home games.
Through his writing, he connects with fans who want a deeper, more personal understanding of the game.
When hes not at T-Mobile Park, hes with his dog, gaming, or finding the next storyline worth digging into.