Dodgers News: JD Martinez Target Return Date Revealed by Dave Roberts

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez has had a great year in Dodger blue.

The veteran made the NL All-Star team, has become a fixture in the middle of LA's strong lineup, and has hit .260/.312/.558 with 25 home runs and 76 RBI along the way.

But the 35-year-old has been hampered by a groin/hamstring issue of late, and he was a late scratch on Tuesday prior to the Dodgers 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But despite the concerning developments with Martinez, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the Orange County Register's Bill Plunkett late Tuesday that it doesn't look like the problem will lead to a stint on the injured list.

“I don’t think so,” Roberts said. “I think we’ve dealt with this all year, even throughout spring training. So it might be some type of shot. And then he’ll be down for a couple days, and our expectation is he should be back sometime this weekend.”

Martinez received treatment in an attempt to treat the pain, per Plunkett, as he got an epidural injection on Wednesday.

#Dodgers JD Martinez received an epidural injection today to treat the persistent discomfort in his groin/hamstring. Roberts said he hopes to have Martinez available again Saturday
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 9, 2023

The fact that Martinez has been able to produce as consistently as he has in light of this affecting him since spring training is incredible, and he's been a rather unexpected boost to his team this season.

Looking ahead to when he could make his return, barring any setbacks, the Dodgers will return to Los Angeles for a four-game series with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

The team should hypothetically be able to increase their lead atop the NL West even without Martinez, but him potentially returning should serve as help for the Dodgers going forward.

Hopefully for the Dodgers star DH, he's able to make his targeted return this weekend.