Why Mariners called up ex-Guardians infielder instead of Colt Emerson to replace Brendan Donovan

Why Mariners called up ex-Guardians infielder instead of Colt Emerson to replace Brendan Donovan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners had to make a flurry of moves on Monday.

First, second baseman Brendan Donovan was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left groin muscle strain. In a corresponding move, utility man Miles Mastrobuoni was transferred to the 60-day IL.

Mariners fans would have assumed that top prospect Colt Emerson would have received the call to the Majors when Donovan hit the injured list. That wasn't the case.

Instead, Seattle promoted Will Wilson, a 27-year-old infielder who can play second and third base. Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Cleveland Guardians in 2025 and hit .192/.267/.244 with no home runs and a .511 OPS in 91 trips to the plate.

"Emerson is battling wrist soreness in Triple-A, manager Dan Wilson told reporters (including Adam Jude of The Seattle Times)," Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Monday.