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Dodgers welcome back Will Smith and Max Muncy, place J.D. Martinez on injured list

April 29, 2023

LOS ANGELES ― Two steps forward, one step back.

On the same day the Dodgers welcomed Will Smith and Max Muncy back to their lineup, designated hitter J.D. Martinez was placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back tightness.

Martinez was scheduled to take batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Friday afternoon, a last-ditch effort to avoid the injured list after missing the last three games. The “irritation” Martinez first felt in his back on Sunday knocked him out for the entire three-game series in Pittsburgh and ostensibly did not let up in time for the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Dodgers backdated Martinez’s IL stint to Tuesday, making him eligible to return next Friday (May 5).

Smith had not played since April 12 because of a concussion. Muncy, last week’s National League Player of the Week, missed three games while on paternity leave. Each was among the team’s hottest hitters when they last took the field; Smith batted third and Muncy fourth on Friday against St. Louis.

The lineup frequently suffered without the two stars. The Dodgers went 6-7 in Smith’s absence. They scored only three runs across their previous two games in Pittsburgh.

“If you look at what’s transpired … the roster’s been in flux for so long,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It certainly makes more sense why we haven’t had any consistency but when you’re mired in it, you don’t try to let that bleed into your mindset. You’re trying to figure out the 26 guys you have available that night and try to win a game. That’s where we’re at.”

Martinez’s injury means the Dodgers must wait at least another week before their full Opening Day lineup is healthy.

The veteran said he “should’ve spoken up sooner” after experiencing pain in his back running out of the batter’s box in the fourth inning Sunday in Chicago. His back was still ailing during each of his next two plate appearances, including one that resulted in a home run in the sixth inning.

“Honestly it was me being dumb trying to be a hero,” said Martinez, who is batting .250 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 23 games this season.

Michael Busch and David Peralta alternated at DH in Martinez’s absence before Smith returned as the designated hitter Friday. Roberts said Smith is likely to DH again Saturday against the Cardinals and might catch as early as Sunday.

To make room for Muncy on the active roster, the Dodgers optioned infielder Luke Williams to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Williams had one hit, a single, in 10 at-bats.

BULLPEN SHUFFLE

The Dodgers also activated right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol from the paternity list and optioned left-hander Justin Bruihl to Oklahoma City.

Bruihl allowed one run in five appearances spanning five innings. Graterol had not allowed a run in his last six appearances prior to the birth of his daughter. He figures to return to a high-leverage role immediately.

Through Thursday, the Dodgers’ bullpen had a 5.18 ERA, which ranked 14th in the National League.

“There’s only been consistency from a couple guys, where our expectation is that wasn’t going to be the case,” Roberts said. “A lot of it is looking for consistency. I think partly you have had that in years past. But I expect that to change given what these guys have done in the past.”

Roberts cited Graterol, Evan Phillips, Caleb Ferguson and Shelby Miller by name as the consistent pitchers in the group. Phillips, Miller and Graterol (and Andre Jackson, who was later optioned to Triple-A) have all recorded saves in the absence of a designated closer this month.

ALSO

Shortstop Miguel Rojas (left hamstring strain) took live batting practice Friday and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment Saturday. He could return as early as Monday, Roberts said.

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Orange County Register