Garver back in Mariners’ lineup, but Donovan out again

Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver is back in the lineup for Sunday night’s series finale against the San Diego Padres, but third baseman Brendan Donovan is out of the lineup for a second straight day.

UPDATE: Mariners call up top prospect Colt Emerson, place Donovan on IL

Garver and Donovan were both scratched from Saturday night’s lineup about two hours before first pitch. Garver was scratched due to back tightness, while Donovan was scratched as a load-management decision as he works back from a left groin strain.

Garver is starting behind the plate and batting eighth for the Mariners on Sunday. He’s splitting the catching duties with Jhonny Pereda while reigning American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh is on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson said Donovan could be available off the bench Sunday night depending on how he feels after doing pregame work, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times.

Steelheads Sunday 🔜

📺 NBC, @peacock
📻 @SeattleSports pic.twitter.com/t71KIyEsKj

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 17, 2026

Donovan returned on May 8 after a nearly three-week stint on the IL with a left groin strain. He also missed games earlier this season with a right groin issue and a hip problem. He recently said the injuries are all connected after undergoing sports hernia surgery this past offseason.

Mariners right-hander George Kirby (2.84 ERA) is set to take the mound Sunday night against Padres right-hander Lucas Giolito, who will be making his first start of the season after signing with San Diego on April 22. Kirby has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his past six starts.

The Mariners are looking to avoid a three-game sweep. They are 0-5 against the interleague rival Padres this season.

First pitch for Sunday night’s Mariners-Padres series finale is at 4:20 p.m. The game will be broadcast on NBC and stream on Peacock. Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports begins at 3 p.m. with the pregame show.

More Seattle Mariners coverage

• Seattle Mariners Injury Update: Latest on Cal Raleigh and more
• GM shares how M’s will split catching duties while Raleigh is out
• Salk: How Seattle Mariners can replace Cal Raleigh’s production

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