(03.20.17 @ 5:30 P.M. ET): MLB.com Tigers reporter Jason Beck says that J.D. Martinez will be receive more evaluation on his foot sprain later this week.
J.D. Martinez will undergo a stress CT scan on Friday by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte. Still no definitive timetable on his return.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 20, 2017
"My optimism has not changed," Brad Ausmus said.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 20, 2017
(03.19.17 @ 6 P.M. ET): The Detroit Tigers have brought in a foot specialist to render an opinion on outfielder J.D. Martinez’s injured right foot.
Martinez suffered a mid right-foot sprain while making a running catch during Saturday’s 5-4 victory over the Miami Marlins in Lakeland. Initial X-rays proved negative, and Martinez exited Joker Marchant Stadium in a protective boot as a precaution.
He underwent an MRI on Sunday morning, and skipper Brad Ausmus is anticipating receiving the results soon.
“We should have them today,” Ausmus said. “Maybe (head trainer) Kevin (Rand) has them, but I haven’t been made aware of them. But usually he tells me right away.
“Our doctor looked at them and wants a specialist to look at it before any timeframe or anything like that. That’s actually what was told to me: Before they give us a timeframe, they want a specialist to look at it.
Again, I can’t really say because we’re waiting for an expert to look at it,” he said. “I’d tell you, but I might be misleading you.”
Martinez has blossomed into a solid player for the Tigers, hitting .307 with 22 home runs and 68 RBI last season.
Ausmus couldn’t say for sure what he thought of Martinez’s availability come Opening Day.
Should Martinez begin the season on the DL, Steven Moya could fill in.
