The St. Louis Cardinals are starting to run out of time to make a push for a postseason spot in the National League.
With just 21 games left in the regular season, the Cardinals are still on the outside looking in on the NL Wild Card spot. Entering Thursday, they are 5.5 games behind the New York Mets for the last spot.
As they look towards a three-game weekend series against the San Francisco Giants, the team got some fortunate news on utility man Brendan Donovan while he continues to rehab a groin injury.
Brendan Donovan eyes rehab assignment, nearing return from injured list
The Cardinals' lone All-Star this season, Brendan Donovan, hasn't been seen in the lineup since Aug. 13 after an original toe injury spread into his groin. St. Louis placed him on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Aug. 15.
Earlier in the week, Donovan was seen going through full workouts on Monday and Tuesday. From the looks of it, Donovan could be on the verge of beginning a rehab assignment soon and activated off the injured list within the next week, CBS Sports reported.
A Brendan Donovan return would be huge for the Cardinals for them to get over their hump and make a push for a Wild Card spot.
Through 110 games before getting injured, Donovan has a .279 batting average, .360 on-base percentage, .406 slugging percentage, .750 OPS, and a 2.3 WAR while hitting nine home runs and 45 RBI.
He's also started games in multiple positions for the Cardinals this season, including second base, shortstop, and left field.