X-Rays to the right elbow of Detroit Tigers slugger J.D. Martinez have revealed a fracture, with the team placing him on the disabled list. Jason Beck of MLB.com reports that Martinez is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with the injury, described as a “non-displaced fracture on the radial neck at the right elbow”. Â A CT scan, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, will be conducted on Friday. Â The injury occurred in the second inning of the Tigers 10-4 victory against the Kansas City Royals last (Thursday) night at Kauffman Stadium.
Martinez has developed into one of baseball’s best power bats, blossoming after his release by Houston two years ago, and subsequent signing with the Tigers. Â He hit 38 home runs in the 2015 season. Â In his absence, Detroit has recalled outfielder Steven Moya from Triple-A Toledo.
To replace Martinez in the lineup and field, the Tigers are expected to go with a platoon system involving Anthony Gose and former Royal Mike Aviles in left field, with Justin Upton sliding over to fill the right field vacancy.
Picture credit –Â Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
