Dodgers News: Latest Injury Update on JD Martinez Adds More Concern to Slugger’s Availability
After being scratched earlier in the week due to an injury, Dodgers designated hitter received an epidural shot to help combat the pain of his most recent ailment.
LA skipper told reporters on Friday that the team hoped to have their All-Star masher back by the end of their current series against the Colorado Rockies.
After rebounding from a lackluster second half to finish his tenure with the Boston Red Sox, Martinez returned to form with the Dodgers, starting as the National League's DH for the All-Star Game.
Returning for his second half, both a groin and hamstring issue have prevented the Dodgers from having one of their best bats in the lineup.
Though the epidural shot to ease his pain should prove helpful, Martinez at anything less than 100% for the postseason push remains a risky proposition to play him.
Given the Dodgers' recent hot streak, putting Martinez on the shelf to fully heal from his injury might not be the worst idea in the world rather than rushing him back.
After all, Chavez Ravine boasts two of the game's very best in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman who have carried LA to another late season division lead.
Depth across the lineup has always been a strength for the organization and this year is no different.
Trade deadline pickups in Amed Rosario and Kiké Hernández have been huge successes after some lackluster showings for their previous teams.
On the topic of buy low candidates, the Dodgers got three pitchers from the AL Central who have all done very well for themselves in Dodger Blue thus far.
Joe Kelly and Ryan Yarbrough have given Dave Roberts some valuable options out of the bullpen while Lance Lynn's first two starts with the Dodgers have both been quality starts of at least six innings, both resulting in wins.
Martinez's return will be welcomed back at any point in time, but there's no reason to rush him ahead of the hunt for October.
