Dodgers News: JD Martinez Set to Undergo MRI for Hamstring Injury

Both J.D.  Martinez and Will Smith left Sunday’s loss with injuries. Smith’s elbow contusion probably won’t keep him out of the Dodger lineup Tuesday when the Dodgers begin a 3-game series against the Oakland Athletics.

Martinez left the game with a strained hamstring. The injury warrants an MRI. Early last week, Martinez dealt with hamstring tightness but didn’t need either an MRI or IL stint.

The Dodgers can’t afford to lose either player for a significant amount of time, but Martinez would be easier to replace than Smith as the Dodgers compete for another division title. Currently, the Dodgers have a 2-game lead over the San Francisco Giants.

Austin Barnes is having an abysmal offensive season whereas Smith, an All-Star, is a main offensive producer. Barnes has a .114 batting average with no home runs, 5 RBI, and a .334 OPS. Earlier this season when Smith was on the IL, the Dodgers lost almost every game. When Barnes plays, the Dodgers usually lose. The Dodgers should be looking for another backup catcher at the trading deadline.

Martinez is a main offensive force in the Dodger lineup to go with Mookie Betts, who missed both Saturday and Sunday’s games with a sore ankle, Freddie Freeman, and Smith. Martinez’s .260 batting average with 25 home runs, 75 RBI, and a .875 OPS is difficult to replace. However, against right-handed pitching, Max Muncy can be a DH enabling a better fielding third baseman to play. Against lefties, either Chris Taylor or Kiké Hernández can be the DH. The Dodgers can recall either Michael Busch or Yonny Hernàndez to replace Martinez.

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