The Toronto Blue Jays had high expectations for 2015 All-Star catcher Russell Martin this season, but he has been struggling offensively and now has an injured knee. It’s unclear when he will return.
Continue for updates.
Martin Out vs. Mariners
Saturday, July 23
The Blue Jays announced Josh Thole would start over Martin against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.
Gibbons Comments on Martin’s Playing Status
Saturday, July 23
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told reporters Martin was “feeling better” but would still be day-to-day.
On Friday, Gibbons announced Martin suffered a knee injury after falling in the shower, according to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet. He became lightheaded from spending too much time in the sauna Thursday before the fall.
Veteran Martin Crucial to Blue Jays Pitching, Offense
Martin was experiencing a late-career renaissance, finishing in the top 25 in MVP voting in the previous three seasons.
From 2013 to 2015, he posted the highest mark (50.0) for defensive runs above average among eligible catchers, and only Buster Posey (16.2) has posted more wins above replacement than Toronto’s backstop (12.5), per FanGraphs.
This year, however, has not been kind to Martin offensively. He’s hitting just .228/.317/.338 with seven home runs in 81 games after blasting 34 homers the previous two seasons combined.
Josh Thole has been Toronto’s primary backup catcher this season, offering superior defense to Martin, per FanGraphs. With Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion in the middle of the order, the Blue Jays lineup is loaded. They can withstand one dead spot.
Martin is starting to look like a 33-year-old catcher, so getting a few days off won’t derail the surging Jays.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com