J.D. Martinez was a late scratch from the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Sunday, being replaced by Will Smith moments before first pitch of the series finale against the Texas Rangers.
Kirsten Watson said on the SportsNet LA broadcast that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed her Martinez was scratched because of left hamstring tightness. There hadn’t been any signs of trouble, though Martinez did leg out an infield single on Saturday.
Entering play Sunday, Martinez had started seven of the Dodgers’ eight games after the All-Star break. He received a day of rest on Wednesday afternoon, which amounted to back-to-back off days as the Dodgers traveled to continue with their road trip.
Martinez is batting .263/.313/.568 with 20 doubles, two triples, 24 home runs and 73 RBI over 80 games this season, his first with the Dodgers.
Martinez leads the team in RBI, is second in home runs, third in doubles and fourth in on-base plus slugging percentage (.881).
The 35-year-old is on a four-game hitting streak and was among the Dodgers with a home run in their blowout win on Saturday.
Martinez previously spent time on the 10-day injured list because of lower back tightness. He returned after missing two weeks and began to find improved results, which was attributed both to health and feeling more comfortable with the Dodgers.
J.D. Martinez among Dodgers All-Stars
The Dodgers had five players selected to the 2023 MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park, with Martinez part of the group. He went 2-for-2 with a double and run scored in the National’s League win.
Martinez became the first Dodgers All-Star with two hits in one Midsummer Classic game since Mike Piazza in 1996. He previously had just one hit over five other All-Star Game appearances.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
