Tigers Continue To Play It Safe, Rest Victor Martinez Again
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
COMERICA PARK (CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand had no update Tuesday on designated hitter Victor Martinez, and Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said the team will continue to be cautious when it comes to the four-time All-Star who earned those honors for a fifth time this season.
"It's the standard day-to-day," Ausmus said. "We're going to be cautious with him."
An issue with Martinez's back and side has kept him sidelined for five of Detroit's last seven games.
In 80 games for the Tigers this season, Martinez has a .328 batting average and has already smacked 21 home runs. Thanks to walking 33 times - as compared to 23 strikeouts - Martinez has an on-base percentage of .391.
To this point in the season, Martinez's batting average, on-base percentage and home run total surpass even those of two-time MVP Miguel Cabrera.
26-year-old outfielder J.D. Martinez has provided unprecedented power in the lineup, helping fill the void of Victor's absence, but Ausmus said J.D.'s emergence has not made the decisions to sit Victor any easier.
"I wouldn't say that," Ausmus said with a smile. "I'd much rather have both of them."
