Day-To-Day With Low Back Tightness, J.D. Martinez Will Be Designated Hitter Thursday
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
DETROIT - After leaving Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins with low back tightness, Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez is in the lineup for the series finale Thursday. Instead of playing right field and batting fifth, however, Martinez will be the designated hitter and bat fourth.
Victor Martinez, who usually serves as the designated hitter and bats fourth, is getting a day off. Martinez has experienced some soreness in his knee, on which he underwent surgery in the offseason.
"We have the National League series coming up where there's no DH, and he wouldn't be playing much anyway," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "Fourth day certainly wouldn't hurt him."
Martinez would be available to pinch-hit Thursday if the Tigers need him, Ausmus added.
Regarding J.D. Martinez's back, Ausmus said he did not know anything more than he did the previous evening. He was uncertain whether Martinez would be able to play the field in the upcoming series, saying the team is taking the situation one day at a time.
Ausmus expected Martinez would be fine to serve as the designated hitter Thursday, however.
"He hasn't really taken batting practice yet," Ausmus said Thursday morning. "I guess there's a chance he could tell me he's unable to swing, but he seemed to think he'd be okay."
The timing of Martinez's injury is unfortunate for the Tigers; after scuffling at the plate for a period of time, Martinez has hits in each of the past four games, and he had two in Wednesday's game.
Other injury updates
Starting pitcher Justin Verlander, who has been on the disabled list with a triceps strain since the beginning of the season, is scheduled to throw a 35-pitch bullpen Friday, Ausmus said.
Ausmus said reliever Bruce Rondon, who has biceps tendonitis, could also throw a bullpen Friday.
