Dodgers News: JD Martinez’s Latest Injury Update Isn’t Exactly Promising News
The Dodgers have been without their designated hitter for the entire series in Pittsburgh. J.D. Martinez, who felt something in his back during Sunday's game against the Cubs, has been out of the lineup in all three games against the Pirates.
At first, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made it sound like a non-issue. However, on Thursday, he didn't sound so sure. Here's the latest update from Roberts, which doesn't exactly make it sound like a non-issue.
"He hasn’t swung a bat in three days," Roberts said. "It’s certainly been a little bit longer than we’ve already expected. Hoping that an IL is not a possibility."
Martinez is someone who likes to swing everyday, so Roberts was asked if him not swinging the bat for three days is concerning at all.
"Yeah, yeah," Roberts said. "Because he’s a guy that really swings a lot. And for him to not be able to feel like he can do that is certainly telling."
Martinez was starting to heat up before suffering the injury. His season slash line is up to .250/.306/.534, and he has four home runs and 15 RBIs on the year.
The Dodgers are still hoping he avoids an IL stint, but if he continues to be in pain and unable to swing a bat, it sounds like the injured list could be a possibility.
Who Would Replace Martinez?
If Martinez does end up on the IL, that would probably mean a greater runway for the rookie Michael Busch. With Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas set to return to the Dodgers lineup, Busch's time was likely going to be coming to an end for now.
However, if Martinez is forced to go on the IL, that could open the door for a slightly longer stay for Busch.
Busch has started all three games in Pittsburgh, as the Dodgers clearly want to get him in the lineup as much as they can over this short period of time. But, again, if Martinez heads to the IL, Busch will likely get a slightly longer run with the big league ball club.
Return of the Will
Dave Roberts also provided an update on his injured catcher Will Smith, who's been out of the Dodgers lineup for over two weeks. He said the plan is still for Smith to return on Saturday, which is great news for an LA lineup that has definitely missed him.
"Today he feels good. I think just, kind of, symptomatic, I think he could get in there today," Roberts said. "Right now, the plan of him taking those light at-bats tomorrow to then be in the lineup on Saturday still holds."
Smith will provide a much-needed boost to the Dodgers lineup.
