Donovan back in lineup for Mariners’ series opener vs Rangers

Brendan Donovan is back in the Seattle Mariners’ lineup.

After missing the past two games with a groin issue, Donovan is starting at third base and batting leadoff for the Mariners’ series opener against the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Globe Life Field.

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Donovan hurt his groin while trying to beat out an infield grounder in the seventh inning of Friday night’s extra-inning win over the Los Angeles Angels. Mariners insider Shannon Drayer had reported that Donovan was day to day after the injury. An MRI on Donovan’s groin came back clean, according to MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer.

Meanwhile, utilityman Leo Rivas will start at shortstop and bat ninth for Seattle, giving veteran shortstop J.P. Crawford an off day. Crawford, who opened the season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, returned from the IL on Friday and played the entirety of this past weekend’s three-game series against the Angels.

It’ll be an intriguing pitching matchup on Monday night, with Mariners opening day starter Logan Gilbert squaring off against four-time All-Star right-hander Jacob deGrom.

Giddy up. pic.twitter.com/wiFyckktlR

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 6, 2026

First pitch from Arlington is at 5:05 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 4 p.m. with the pregame show on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app.

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