Dodgers slugger J.D. Martinez is nearing a return from the injured list. The 35 year old, who has been sidelined since April 25th with a back injury, is slated to face live pitching at the club’s spring training facility in Arizona this week.
With Martinez serving as the Dodger’s DH this season, it’s unlikely he will require a rehab stint in order to get back up to speed. Los Angeles Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the team is hoping to have the veteran righty back on Friday for the series opener vs. San Diego.
Currently hitting .250 with 4HRs, 15 RBIs, and 13 runs scored, Martinez last saw game action on April 23rd vs. the Chicago Cubs. Despite recording a home run in that outing, the former Red Sox star complained about lower back tightness following the contest.
After sitting out a few games, the club opted to place him on the 10 day IL after it became clear that Martinez needed additional time off. Hitting primarily out of the 4 spot in a loaded Los Angeles lineup, the veteran is poised for a big second half of the season if he can remain healthy.
LA originally hoped to have Martinez back for the team’s series vs. Milwaukee, however the front office opted to err on the side of caution and give their slugger a few additional days of rest. Martinez took swings in a batting cage session on Friday and didn’t report any discomfort.
With the Dodgers once again atop the NL West, and winners of 8 of their last 10 contests, there’s no imminent need to rush Miami, FL native back into action.
Los Angeles kicks off a 3 game series in Milwaukee tonight at 7:40pm ET before heading home for a divisional showdown with the Padres. Martinez is expected to remain in Arizona until May 12th.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: John P Darcy. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.