The Los Angeles Dodgers already were without Mookie Betts for the second consecutive game because of right ankle soreness, and they saw J.D. Martinez removed early from the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds before taking a single at-bat.
The Dodgers announced Martinez came out of the game due to left hamstring tightness. It’s a second time in the past week Martinez has dealt with a left hamstring injury.
He was scratched from the Dodgers lineup minutes before first pitch against the Texas Rangers on July 23 because of the same issue. Martinez missed just one game before returning to the Dodgers lineup.
Including Sunday, Martinez has technically started five games in a row, though only appeared in four of those.
Martinez is batting .260/.310/.562 with 21 doubles, 25 home runs, 75 RBI and a 129 wRC+ in his first season with the Dodgers. He leads the team in RBI, ranks second in home runs and third in doubles.
The Dodgers have a scheduled off day Monday but then play a stretch of 13 consecutive days. If Martinez’s condition does not improve enough by Tuesday or Wednesday, the Dodgers may face a roster decision.
Of course, that also overlaps with the MLB trade deadline on August 1, and the Dodgers already are said to still be in the market for a right-handed hitting position player.
J.D. Martinez injuries
Martinez previously spent time on the 10-day injured list this season 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.
Martinez has a history of back injuries, but the Dodgers didn’t believe his trouble earlier this year was related or would be a long-term issue. Although that’s appeared to hold true thus far, Martinez’s left hamstring has become somewhat problematic.
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