After missing two games with a groin injury, Donovan emerges in the eighth to provide two runs and flip the game for a 3-2 victory at Busch Stadium.

ST. LOUIS — Brendan Donovan had every intention of returning to the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup Monday. The team’s lone All-Star had missed two games with nagging groin discomfort but was hopeful he’d be available — even for one at-bat — in Monday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. He sure picked the right time.

St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan was scratched from Friday's game against the New York Yankees with left foot soreness. Donovan had been scheduled to bat leadoff and play second base. Donovan has been dealing with leg and foot injuries since missing four games after being removed from a game against Toronto on June 10 with a sprained capsule in his left big toe.