Dodgers Injury News: JD Martinez to Be Out For Longer Stretch

Tuesday, the Dodgers put J.D. Martinez on the 10-day IL with groin tightness. For the last three weeks, Martinez has been dealing with a myriad of lower body issues. Dave Roberts thinks it will be two or three weeks before Martinez can return to the lineup.

Before Tuesday’s loss, Roberts addressed the media about Martinez.  

“Running, certain swings it didn’t affect him. But when he strides out further, that’s when it gets him. He’s pretty adamant that it’s not the back. Regardless, it was impeding his swing. The one thing that we haven’t done is just quit the activity. Hopefully, that can knock it out.”

Via OC Register

Martinez is a major contributor from the right side to the Dodger offense. He has a .256 batting average, 25 home runs, 78 RBI, and a .856 OPS. When the Dodgers need a crucial hit, Martinez usually delivers.

When Martinez went on the IL, the Dodgers recalled Michael Busch. Busch is having a super season at AAA with a .323 batting average with 24 home runs and 82 RBI. He needs a major league opportunity to prove what he can do for the Dodgers. The left-handed hitter doesn’t have a position to play. He can play third, second, and first bases, but his defense isn’t elite anywhere.

Busch needs to prove to the Dodgers that they need him in the future. At the trading deadline, many people expected the Dodgers to trade Busch for a player that they needed. They didn’t, and now they need Busch to contribute. 

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