Could a Healthy Brendan Donovan be Key to Playoff Push for Ms?

For much of this season, the Mariners have been unable to see the positive effects that Brendan Donovan can have on a lineup because of the groin injury that cost him half of May and all of June and July.

Finally healthy, Donovan is starting to show the impact he can have on a lineup with his contagious energy and gritty style of play.

Batting leadoff, Donovan opened Wednesday's 7-5 bounce-back win over the Brewers with a single past Milwaukee second baseman Brice Turang. That sparked a rally against right-hander Dustin May where the Mariners scored four times and sent nine men to the plate in the first inning alone.

Donovan, who was acquired in February in a deal with the Cardinals, finished 2 for 3 with two walks and two runs scored on Wednesday. He has hits in four of his last five games, and he's gone 6 for 20 of late.

Could a run of good health by Donovan propel the Mariners past the five teams ahead of them and into the final Wild Card slot in the American League? If Donovan can stay healthy and continue to spark the offense, it just might happen for a Mariners team that has looked for offensive consistency all season.