Mariners utilityman Brendan Donovan lands on 7-day concussion IL after batting cage accident

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners placed utilityman Brendan Donovan on the seven-day concussion injured list on Sunday, a day after he hit in the head by a baseball in the batting cages.

Donovan was a late scratch from the lineup for Saturday night’s 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Wilson said Sunday that Donovan was hit by a pitch while taking swings pregame.

“It was just one of those situations that’s unfortunate,” Wilson said. “But he will be back hopefully as soon as possible.”

Utilityman Patrick Wisdom was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to replace Donovan on the active roster. Donavan’s move to the IL is retroactive to Saturday.

The Mariners acquired Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals in February in a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Since then, Donovan has struggled to stay on the field.

On May 17, he was placed on the 10-day IL with a left groin muscle strain and did not return to the Mariners’ lineup until Aug. 4. Donovan also missed time from April 18 to May 7 with a left groin muscle strain.

The 29-year-old Donovan is hitting .277 with three home runs, seven doubles, one triple and 15 RBIs in 137 at-bats. Wilson lamented what has been a difficult season for Donovan, who was a first-time All-Star last year when he batted .287 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and a .775 OPS.

“I’m sure it’s frustrating,” Wilson said. “It’s tough, no question. But I think the thing we know about (Donovan) is that he’s a gamer, he’s a fighter. And he will get through this as quickly as possible.”

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