J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez’s status will be worth monitoring leading up to their AL Wild Card game against the New York Yankees.
The Boston Red Sox ended any chance of chaos on Sunday after defeating the Washington Nationals 7-5 after initially trailing 5-1. As a result, the team clinched the top Wild Card spot in the American League, paving the way to the team hosting the New York Yankees in the one-game playoff on Tuesday. However, they may not have one of their key sluggers available.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, designated hitter J.D. Martinez is being deemed questionable for the Wild Card Round after rolling his ankle on second base during Sunday’s game.
Red Sox: J.D. Martinez left Sunday’s game due to left ankle injury
Martinez was running to play right field in the bottom of the fifth inning, but tripped on second base. Despite staying in the game, Martinez was pinch-hit in the top of the sixth for Jose Iglesias. The injury was deemed a left ankle sprain.
This season, Martinez is slashing .286/.349/.518 while recording 28 home runs, 99 RBI and 162 hits through 148 games.
This is not the news the Red Sox needed to hear, especially with a win-or-go home game against the rival Yankees. Not only is the right to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series on the line, but bragging rights over the Bronx Bombers as well.
We will continue to keep you posted on Martinez’s status for the big game once updates are provided by the Red Sox.