The Los Angeles Dodgers activated J.D. Martinez off the 10-day injured list and optioned Michael Busch to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Friday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres.
Martinez returns after missing the last 15 games, with the Dodgers going 11-4 during that time. The stretch includes when Martinez was still on the active roster but initially unavailable because of the lower back trouble.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was hopeful the veteran designated hitter was going to be back in the lineup at some point during the Pittsburgh Pirates series, but Martinez wound up missing all three games and landed on the 10-day IL on April 28, with the roster move backdated to April 25.
That left Martinez eligible to return in time for last weekend’s matchup against the San Diego Padres, which Roberts expected. However, that wound up being ruled out and so too was playing in Milwaukee.
Martinez wound up spending time at Camelback Ranch this week to face live pitching, which included taking at-bats against Michael Grove and Ryan Pepiot.
Martinez has hit .250/.309/.512 with nine doubles, two triples, three home runs, 14 RBI and a 120 wRC+ in 92 plate appearances across 23 games this season.
The 35-year-old previously dealt with back trouble throughout his career, but the Dodgers are hopeful the latest instance is not related or will be a recurring issue.
Busch had limited opportunities with Dodgers
Busch made his MLB debut and remained on the Dodgers active roster longer than anticipated, appearing in seven games (five starts) after getting recalled.
Busch went 4-for-19 with two RBI, four walks and nine strikeouts. One of his hits was a go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning against the Padres.
Dodgers roster moves
Also on Friday, the team activated Caleb Ferguson from the paternity list and optioned Michael Busch to Oklahoma City.
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