Brendan Donovan activated from IL to bolster Mariners offense
Back to a two-catcher system for Seattle.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 7: Brendan Donovan #33 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field on April 7, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Seattle Mariners announced Friday that they have activated UTIL Brendan Donovan from the 10-day injured list. Correspondingly, they’ve optioned C Johnny Pareda back to Triple-A Tacoma.
One sharp game in Double-Arkansas was proof enough on his rehab stint for the Mariners to activate Donovan, who should immediately slot back in atop the M’s lineup for their series against the Chicago White Sox. Donovan’s return also should have an impact on the defensive woes of the Mariners, albeit not clearly a dramatic one. Leo Rivas can recede into his bench role once more, hopefully smoothing some of the overexposure he’d suffered in recent weeks.
Donovan has been an adept defender in his career as a utility man, but will likely handle everyday work at third base once more. He’s been historically sat against tough lefty arms, but the M’s aren’t flush enough to easily shelve him for their existing righty bats. Pareda’s demotion suggests Seattle expects Cal Raleigh to return behind the dish imminently.
Raleigh has not hit with any acumen in the past few days since a side issue sidelined him for a few days. While his MRI appeared clean, it’s been tough sledding for the Big Dumper. Mitch Garver has also caught consecutive games for the first time since early August of 2023 as a member of the Texas Rangers.