Cardinals make roster moves, Brendan Donovan returns to lineup on Friday

Although the St. Louis Cardinals are still making a push for an NL Wild Card spot, they have some work to do after getting swept by the Seattle Mariners this week.

The sweep ended their series win streak of three in a row, but they will look to get back on track when they take on the MLB's best, the Milwaukee Brewers, over the weekend.

Before the start of the series, the Cardinals announced the return of multiple crucial players, including their lone 2025 All-Star, Brendan Donovan.

Cardinals' Brendan Donovan returns to lineup on Friday

In the batch of roster moves on Friday, the St. Louis Cardinals activated Brendan Donovan from the 10-day injured list and pitcher John King from the 15-day injured list.

To make room for the two players, St. Louis optioned infielder Jose Fermin and left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet to Triple-A Memphis.

Donovan, 28, was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Aug. 15 after suffering from a left groin strain. A little less than a month later, he will be returning to the lineup on Friday and will bat leadoff for the Cardinals.

As the lone Cardinals All-Star in 2025, Donovan has a .279 batting average, .348 on-base percentage, .402 slugging percentage, and a .750 OPS while hitting nine home runs and 45 RBI this season.

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King, 30, was placed on the injured list on Aug. 27 with a back strain. It was the second injury he suffered this season. After announcing his return, the Cardinals will hope he can put together some positive outings in order to get St. Louis a spot in the postseason.

In 43 appearances this season, King has a 2-0 record, 5.18 ERA, and a 1.63 WHIP while striking out 24 in 41.2 innings.

St. Louis is currently four games behind the New York Mets for the final Wild Card spot in the National League.