The Detroit Tigers took an early 1-0 lead over the Seattle Mariners in the opener of a three-game series. But the Tigers’ lineup will be missing a key bat for the rest of the ballgame.
Victor Martinez left the game after aggravating a strained groin muscle in the second inning of Monday’s series opener with the Seattle Mariners. The Tigers’ DH was clearly fighting the injury when jogging to first base following a single to right field. Martinez labored to second base after a Brennan Boesch single, and the Tigers decided to pull him from the game.
Casper Wells came in as a pinch-runner and will replace Martinez as the designated hitter.
Victor Martinez strained a groin muscle in his last at-bat during Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, and sat out on Sunday to get some rest. Manager Jim Leyland apparently intended to keep Martinez out for Monday’s game, as well, but Martinez said he could go after getting through batting practice.
SB Nation Detroit will have further updates on Martinez as they become available. Also check out Bless You Boys for more on Martinez’s injury status and the Tigers’ performance against the Mariners.
(Hat tip to Brian Packey for his help in writing this post.)
UPDATE: MLive.com's Steve Kornacki reports the Tigers are calling Martinez's injury a right groin strain and he'll be re-evaluated on Tuesday.