When the Los Angeles Dodgers lost Russell Martin to lower back inflammation, the expectation was his stay on the 10-day injured list would be brief. Manager Dave Roberts relayed the veteran catcher had typically recovered from such an injury within one week.
It’s now been more than weeks since April 10 when Martin was placed on the IL. Five days later, Roberts said Martin’s condition was improving but he hadn’t yet participated in baseball activities and timetable for his return was unclear.
Upon beginning to play catch and join the Dodgers in batting practice, Martin was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment. Though, he managed to talk his way out of that and instead participated in a simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Friday.
Martin successfully got behind the plate, took swings and ran bases, and cleared the final hurdle to being activated during the weekend series with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Dave Roberts said Russell Martin passed the simulated game test. Expected to start on Sunday.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 26, 2019
Martin to be activated either Saturday or Sunday.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 26, 2019
Martin’s return should provide the Dodgers with a needed boost at the catcher position. Although Austin Barnes began the season on a strong note, he’s struggled since needing to assume a larger role while Martin has been sidelined.
What’s more, Rocky Gale hasn’t made many contributions during his sporadic playing time. Gale presumably will return to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding roster move when Martin is activated.
Limited to six games so far this season, Martin is hitting .333/.500/.600 with one double, one home run and two RBI over 22 plate appearances. He has additionally tossed a scoreless inning of relief before suffering his injury.
In addition to Martin, the Dodgers are welcoming back Rich Hill from the injured list. With both players returning, the club will essentially have what was expected to be their Opening Day roster before injuries set in.
