Outlook Brendan Donovan
Donovan Nearing Rehab Assignment as Groin Injury Lingers
Donovan remains on the injured list with a left groin strain that has sidelined him since mid-May. He has recently begun a running program in Seattle and is eyeing a rehab assignment in the coming weeks. The first-place Mariners (41-41) are currently leaning on J.P. Crawford as the primary starter at third base while Donovan recovers from his surgery-related setbacks.
Before the injury, Donovan was productive through 25 games, slashing .274/.390/.452 with three home runs. Our projection for the rest of the season remains steady at a .272 average, which aligns closely with his career .280 mark. Given his elite plate discipline and high contact rate, he should return to being a reliable on-base asset once he regains his health.
With the Mariners concluding their road trip against the Guardians this weekend, Donovan is not expected to be active for any of the remaining matchups. While the team faces rotation options like Joey Cantillo and Gavin Williams, Donovan will continue his progression in Seattle. Keep him on your bench or IL until his rehab assignment is officially underway. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Brendan Donovan
Outlook Nick Lodolo
Lodolo's status is uncertain following a premature exit due to a left wrist contusion earlier this week.
Nick Lodolo's week was cut short on Tuesday when he exited after just four innings against the Brewers with a left wrist contusion. Despite the injury, he looked sharp in that limited outing, striking out six and allowing no runs, but he remains questionable for his next turn in the rotation. The fifth-place Reds are currently on a three-game losing streak and will need their number three starter back healthy as they navigate a difficult stretch in the NL Central.
Before the injury exit, Lodolo was struggling to find his dominant 2025 form, carrying a ballooned 5.83 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through nine starts this season. Our data suggests significant positive regression is coming, as our season projection of a 4.05 ERA and 1.20 WHIP aligns more closely with his career baseline of nearly 10 strikeouts per nine innings. While his 1.65 WHIP over the last fortnight is concerning, his elite strikeout upside remains a major asset if the wrist injury proves minor.
With the Reds finishing a road series against the Pirates this weekend, Lodolo does not have a scheduled start remaining for the current scoring period. If he avoids the injured list, he could return early next week, but fantasy managers should monitor news updates closely given his current questionable status. Because he will not take the mound again before Monday, he belongs on the bench for the remainder of the week. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
