Brendan Donovan's status remains uncertain as the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 28-year-old infielder is recovering from a left big toe injury but is reportedly feeling better. Manager Oli Marmol stated that Donovan will attempt to move around and play catch on Thursday, with a potential return to the lineup hinging on Friday's batting practice. This season, Donovan has been a standout performer, leading the team with a .310 batting average, 77 hits, and 26 RBIs.

In Donovan's absence, Nolan Gorman has stepped up significantly, boasting a .389 batting average over the past week with two home runs and five RBIs. Should Donovan require a 10-day IL stint, Thomas Saggese may be recalled after a solid stint in Triple-A, where he hit .341 with a home run earlier this season. The Cardinals are in a tight race in the NL Central with the Brewers just half a game behind.

Nolan Gorman of the St. Louis Cardinals has had a tumultuous season in 2025, struggling with a .220 batting average over his first 68 games. However, with increased playing time due to Jordan Walker's injury, Gorman has started to heat up, batting .389 in his last seven games, including two home runs. His recent success is partly attributed to a swing adjustment that he's made.

With Brendan Donovan's health status uncertain as he deals with a toe injury, Gorman is set to take on a larger role at second base. Donovan, who leads the team with a 2.2 WAR, may not hit the injured list, but his absence has opened opportunities for Gorman to showcase his potential this weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In a strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals are giving Lars Nootbaar a break after a rough stretch at the plate, where he went 1-for-19 over his last five games. Nolan Gorman will step in as the starting left fielder against the Toronto Blue Jays, and Masyn Winn moves into the leadoff position. Iván Herrera, who recently hit a crucial three-run homer, will bat second. On the mound, Miles Mikolas faces Chris Bassitt in a critical matchup as the Cardinals aim to even the series following a disappointing extra-inning loss.

April 28, 2025, presents a limited MLB slate, but key matchups at Coors Field and Great American Ballpark offer promising home run prop betting opportunities. Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, fresh off a hot streak, faces Gavin Williams from the Cleveland Guardians, while Nolan Gorman of the St. Louis Cardinals looks to capitalize against Nick Martinez in a home-friendly ballpark. Matt Olson and Spencer Torkelson also stand out as home run threats in favorable matchups. Max Muncy, despite a slow start, may also turn the corner against Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins. Betting on these players could prove profitable.

Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals has been placed on the injured list due to back spasms he sustained during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 23-year-old shortstop's departure in the second inning necessitated a reshuffle in defensive positions, with Brendan Donovan temporarily shifting to designated hitter and Thomas Saggese taking over at shortstop. In an ironic twist given his injury, Winn had hoped to avoid an IL stint but ultimately was sidelined.

To replace him, the Cardinals activated 24-year-old Nolan Gorman from the IL, who had been recovering from a hamstring strain. Gorman previously showcased promise with a strong performance in a brief two-game stint before his injury, aiming to improve on a disappointing previous season. With Winn out, the Cardinals will rely on Donovan and Saggese at shortstop, while Gorman looks to reclaim his position in the lineup.