TORONTO -- As the Seattle Mariners get ready for Game 2 of their critical three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon (12:47 p.m. PT) at Rogers Centre, they'll be in wait-and-see mode with regard to starting pitcher Emerson Hancock and his sore groin.

Hancock was clearly bothered by his left groin following an awkward tag play at first base in the first inning of Friday's 8-1 loss against the Jays. Manager Dan Wilson and the training staff visited him, but he stayed in, gutting it out through five innings.

Though he was able to provide the M's some length, he gave up five earned runs on eight hits. He was a little unlucky in the first inning as he gave up three runs. He gave up two home runs in the fifth before exiting.

Speaking after the game, Wilson told the media that they'll monitor Hancock on Saturday, but he added "there's definitely a strain of some kind in there, but we'll get it looked at tonight (Friday), and see how he responds tomorrow (Saturday)."

He added that they felt comfortable with where Hancock was at, and he felt that he threw the ball well. For reference, even despite the discomfort, Hancock's velocity remained consistent with where it usually is: In the mid-90s.

Hancock wouldn't blame the groin issue on his outing, instead electing to say that he was super aggressive in attacking Blue Jays hitters, and they were super aggressive in attacking him. "Just worked out in their favor. You put the ball in play, anything can happen."

And while there are no moral victories at this time of year, it was clearly important that Hancock was able to give the five innings to the team. It saved valuable bullpen arms at a time when the Mariners will have 10 games in 10 days.

The Mariners and Blue Jays will play at 12:47 p.m. PT on Saturday, 40 minutes after the originally scheduled first pitch. The Jays will induct former player, manager and broadcaster Buck Martinez into the team's Hall of Excellence, which is being unveiled before the game.

Seattle is 64-71, four games back in both the American League West and the American League wild card race.

Brendan Donovan is eligible to come off the 7-day concussion injured list on Saturday, but Wilson doesn't expect that to be the case.

Regardless, the fact that he's with the team is a good sign. His activation shouldn't be far away, but it's unclear when exactly it will be.

Matt Brash is also with the team and will throw a bullpen here in Toronto.