J.D. Martinez may be the man out of the lineup for the Red Sox in Game 3, not Jackie Bradley Jr.
According to MLB.com, Martinez’s status is in question for the first game at Dodger Stadium on Friday due to an ankle injury.
Martinez rolled his ankle on second base in Game 2. Manager Alex Cora and team staff came out to look at him, but he remained on base.
He hobbled the rest of the game, but was able to drive in the go-ahead runs in the fifth on a single to right field.
Normally he would continue to be the designated hitter if this were a regular-season game, but because it’s the World Series and there is no DH in National League parks. So, Martinez may have to sit because of the strain playing the outfield would put on his ankle.
Cora has not made a decision of whether Martinez will play or not.
“We’ll see,” Cora told reporters Thursday. “Actually, he felt better today walking around. He got treatment on the way here. He’ll get treatment (Friday) morning. In the afternoon, we’ll make a decision.”
If Martinez were not to play, Bradley would play center field and Betts would play right.
If he does play, Bradley may be the odd man out as Betts will move to center and Martinez will play in the outfield.
Betts will not play second base in this series.
Read This
World Series 2018: Rick Porcello will start Game 3 for Red Sox
World Series 2018: Three takeaways from Red Sox’s Game 2 win over Dodgers
“(Betts is) not starting at second,” Cora said.
The Red Sox lead 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Source: Read Full Article
