SEATTLE — Brendan Donovan was removed from the Mariners’ series opener vs. the Rangers on Friday to begin the top of the fourth inning, but it wasn’t immediately clear why.
The third baseman was seen speaking at length with head athletic trainer Kyle Torgerson in the home dugout the half-inning prior, before being replaced by Leo Rivas as the Mariners took the field.
Donovan dealt with right groin discomfort two weeks ago in Anaheim but only missed two starts, then he labored through an illness last weekend vs. Houston that sidelined him for another two starts.
At the plate, he’s been one of Seattle’s more productive hitters, with a slash line of .304/.437/.518 (.955 OPS) over 56 at-bats through 18 games, which included a flyout to right field in the first inning on Friday and a popout to third base in the second.
He also made two plays in the field, including a double play to end the third, immediately after which he conferred with Torgerson. Earlier in the inning, he also charged in hard to field a bunt single by Evan Carter.
