The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Michael Busch from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed J.D. Martinez on the 10-day injured list due to left groin tightness.
It marks a second time this season Martinez has landed on the IL, but first for the groin/adductor issue he’s dealt with for nearly one month.
The Dodgers previously placed Martinez on the IL at the end of April due to lower back tightness. His IL stint was retroactive to April 25, and the veteran had missed three consecutive games before the Dodgers made the roster move. Martinez was activated on May 12.
Martinez’s leg trouble began on July 23, when he was scratched from the lineup for the series finale against the Texas Rangers minutes before first pitch. However, the 35-year-old returned two days later and he started five games in a row.
That technically included being in the Dodgers lineup on July 30, but Martinez was removed before taking an at-bat because of the nagging injury. He was unavailable for three games before being used as a pinch-hitter against the San Diego Padres on August 4.
Martinez then started the next two games at Petco Park, received an off day and was in the lineup for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 8. He again was a late scratch and at that point returned to Los Angeles for an MRI and epidural injection.
Martinez missed six games prior to starting in consecutive contests against the Milwaukee Brewers before getting scratched once again on August 17.
Amid confusion and mounting frustration over the injury, Martinez acknowledged spending time on the IL would potentially be the best course of action in effort to get healthy in time for the postseason.
Michael Busch back with Dodgers
Busch is back on the Dodgers roster for a third time this season. He’s only appeared in 15 games and hit .200/.294/.267 with three doubles, four RBI and six walks.
The 25-year-old appeared much more comfortable at the Major League level during June, his second time up with the Dodgers. Busch not only carried that momentum back to Oklahoma City, but he flourished and made the Dodgers’ juggling act with Martinez all the more curious.
Busch was named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Month for July. He maintained a high level of production into August, batting .343/.432/.686 with four doubles, one triple, six home runs and 16 RBI in 18 games.
Busch also began to expand on his versatility of late by playing some left field. While that’s a trait the Dodgers value, Busch is likely to primarily see time at third base and fill in for Martinez as the designated hitter.
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