MLB PLAYER NEWS

Sore hamstring not keeping Martin out of Blue Jays lineup

The Sports Xchange

August 22, 2015 at 4:12 am.

Martin ranks fifth in the American League in games caught with 93, including Friday's game against the Angels. Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Martin ranks fifth in the American League in games caught with 93, including Friday’s game against the Angels. Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin continues to be hampered by a sore left hamstring, but it’s not an injury that’s going to knock him out of the lineup for an extended time.

Martin ranks fifth in the American League in games caught with 93, including Friday’s game against the Angels. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Martin will get a routine day off Saturday, but that Martin is a big part of the club’s plans and he needs Martin in the lineup.

“He’s fine, he’s beat up,” Gibbons said. “His lower body gets beat up more than anybody else. That’s natural for catchers, but he’s getting through it. He doesn’t complain about it, but he’s not the kind of guy who would anyway.”

Martin has struggled at the plate with just five hits in 46 at-bats over the last 12 games. But overall he’s putting up good numbers — he ranks No. 1 among all American League catchers in WAR (2.5) and doubles (19).

Defensively, he’s thrown out 22 would-be base stealers, second most in the majors.

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