Indians’ Martinez hurts leg; likely headed to DL

 

CLEVELAND (AP) -The Indians didn’t lose their opener. They probably lost Victor Martinez for a while, though.
Cleveland’s catcher strained his left quadriceps while running to first base in the third inning of the Indians’ frosty home opener Friday against the Seattle Mariners. The game was eventually postponed after 173 minutes in delays.
Afterward, Indians manager Eric Wedge called Martinez’s injury “a potential DL (disabled list) situation.”
Martinez hit a grounder to third baseman Adrian Beltre, who misplayed the bouncer for an error. Martinez didn’t see Beltre’s bobble as he hustled down to first, but he came up limping just as he approached the bag.
Martinez spent several minutes kneeling in the outfield grass before walking gingerly off the field. He was replaced by pinch-runner Kelly Shoppach, who took over behind the plate in the top of the fourth.
The Indians said Martinez was day to day, but the injury appeared to be one that could keep him out for at least a few games. Now, it appears he’ll go on the DL, joining starter Cliff Lee and reliever Matt Miller.
Cold weather – gametime temperature was 31 degrees with a wind chill of 20 – may have contributed to Martinez getting hurt.
Umpire crew chief Rick Reed said he factored Martinez’s injury into his decision to eventually postpone the game, which will be made up as the opener of a day-night doubleheader Saturday.
Last season, the 28-year-old Martinez batted .316 with 16 homers and 93 RBIs. He entered Friday’s game batting .500 with five RBIs through three games.