Dodgers Activate JD Martinez Off Injured List, Option Michael Busch to Triple-A

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a sneaky roster move on Thursday during the day off, activating designated hitter J.D. Martinez off the 10-day injured list. To make room for him on the roster, rookie infielder Michael Busch was sent down to Triple-A.

Additionally, the team optioned RHP Wander Suero to Triple-A.

Martinez has been out since April 23 with a back issue. He spent a few days trying to swing a bat, but when it was clear he wasn’t going to get better soon, the team placed him on the 10-day injured list.

Martinez went to the IL right as everyone else came back, and also right when the Dodgers got hot. Now, with Martinez back in the lineup, the Dodgers will be as healthy as they’ve been all year long, and we’ll get to see the lineup in its truest form.

As for the corresponding move, Busch being sent down was not a surprise. Busch was called up when Max Muncy went on the paternity list, and if it weren’t for Martinez’s injury, Busch wouldn’t have been up this long.

However, with Martinez on the IL, Busch was able to get a slightly longer stay in the majors.

In seven games, Busch hit .211 with an on-base percentage of .348. He had four hits — all singles — two runs batted in and four walks.

This won’t be the last time Busch is up this season. But for now, he’ll continue raking in Triple-A.

As for the final move, the Dodgers optioning Suero leads me to believe that LHP Caleb Ferguson is going to be activated off the paternity list today. The Dodgers would have no other reason to option Suero without calling someone else up.

Suero, who looked really good in the minor leagues, struggled in two of his three appearances with the Dodgers. He’ll act as an emergency right-handed option for the bullpen.

Martinez is likely going to be back in the lineup on Friday in the series opener against LHP Blake Snell and the Padres. Martinez was starting to get going before going on the IL, hitting .304 with three home runs and six RBIs in his last six games.

The Dodgers will be very happy to get him back in the lineup.

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