Mariners News: Brendan Donovan, Lance McCullers, and Harry Ford

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May 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Good morning everyone, and happy Thursday!

It’s the final day of the All-Star Break, and hope springs eternal for the second half. What are your expectations for the club the rest of the way?

In Mariners news…​

• Brendan Donovan officially kicked off his rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League last night.
• Carlos Collazo at Baseball America gave a full breakdown of the Mariners’ 2026 draft class. ($)
• Zac Hereth at Seattle Sports outlined some critical second half series for the Mariners’ playoff hopes, specifically as they pertain to possible tiebreaking scenarios.
• Daniel Kramer provided a primer for the trade deadline, which is now just a couple of weeks away.

Around the league…​

• The Astros cleared some payroll off their books by sending right-hander Lance McCullers, Jr. to the Brewers for left-hander Colton Gordon.
• The Athletics are calling up infielder Tommy White in advance of their upcoming series against the Nationals.
• Maybe this helps explain how the Nationals have surpassed expectations this year. Though, this specific injury has cleared the way for Harry Ford to make it up to D.C. for the first time this year.

• Ten years later, we’ve learned that FOX Sports tried to convince MLB to postpone the ending of the rain-delayed Game 7 of the 2016 World Series to the following day.
• Get to know soon-to-be Athletics ace Gage Jump through his insightful conversation with Fangraphs’ David Laurila.
• Rob Mains at Baseball Prospectus bemoaned the loss of diversity among scorebugs on baseball broadcasts. ($)
• Alexandra Tey at Defector recapped a fun day at the ball yard for “trans girl baseball,” and explained why this fun tradition among friends has made such an impact on her life.

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