Los Angeles Dodgers' Russell Martin Injures Groin, Out Four to Six Weeks

When Los Angeles Dodgers’ catcher Russell Martin was scratched from the lineup prior to his game against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday because of a slightly strained groin, it was considered a mere precautionary measure.

Well, sometimes even the smallest things fester into big deals.

It was revealed yesterday by Dodgers’ manager Joe Torre, that Martin’s slightly strained groin has turned into a pulled groin and Martin will miss four-to-six weeks. The injury could cause Martin to miss Opening Day.

Martin might not be ready for Opening Day.

I will get to Martin in a second, but let’s talk about what this means for the Dodgers for the next six weeks and perhaps beyond. With Martin out, the Dodgers will now be forced to rely on Brad Ausmus and A.J. Ellis.

The Dodgers are so paper thin right now on the depth chart, that Ausmus and Ellis are the type of players they have to rely on if one of their starters get hurt. Ausmus might know how to handle a pitching staff and has future manager written all over him if he chooses to go that route, but he is 40-years-old now and his best days are long behind him.

Ellis has spent the last seven years in the minor leagues and has one hit in 13 major league AB’s to his credit. He is more of a seat filler in the minor leagues than anything else. With these options behind the plate, the Dodgers better hope that Martin makes a speedy recovery.

Now let’s talk about Martin.

What on Earth is going on with this guy? Martin went from stud catcher, to having a miserable year last year, and now comes to camp 25 pounds heavier and pulls his groin in the first week of workouts. You have to start wondering if all that catching Martin did in 2007 and 2008 (caught 306 games combined those years) is finally coming back to haunt him.

Martin is entering his fifth season in the majors and in his four previous years, never spent a day on the disabled list.

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