Dodgers News: JD Martinez Return to Lineup Pushed Back Again
It’s been a rough stretch for J.D. Martinez of late.
The 2023 NL All-Star has been superb at the plate this season, but the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter has been hampered by a groin injury that, per Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, has been bothering the veteran since spring training.
That injury saw him scratched from Wednesday’s lineup shortly before the Dodgers swept the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Originally, a target of this Saturday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies was set for him to return to the lineup after the slugger received an epidural injection this week.
Now, that Saturday return won’t be happening.
Roberts told reporters before the Dodgers played the Rockies on Friday that he hopes that Martinez can play in the series finale on Sunday. The team is then off on Monday.
Martinez has been a big factor in the Dodgers’ winning ways of late, and he’s hitting .260/.312/.558 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs on the year.
Hopefully for the Dodgers, Martinez is able to make his tentative return on Sunday, but that now remains to be seen, especially with the original target pushed back.
There should be more clarity on Sunday surrounding the 35-year-old, but if he’s unable to make significant progress by the end of the weekend, there’s still options in the organization.
Dodgers No. 2 prospect Michael Busch has been putting on a show at the plate for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers this season, hitting .324/.434/.617 with 22 homers and 75 RBI, but he’s been largely blocked from getting consistent playing time in the big leagues this year.
If Martinez doesn’t make progress and winds up missing more significant time, Busch could be a quality option to play in his stead.
Hopefully for Martinez and the Dodgers though, he’ll be able to be in the lineup on Sunday and things won’t come to that.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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