LA Finally Gets All-Star Hitter Back After Extended Absence

After fighting through a nagging groin issue and spending some time on the injured list, the Dodgers are finally getting one of their top hitters back into the lineup.

J.D. Martinez is being activated from the injured list after spending the last two weeks recovering from groin tightness. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers are sending down Michael Busch to make room for Martinez.

As a part of his road to recovery, Martinez has been spending the past couple of days with the Oklahoma City Dodgers on a rehab assignment.

It seemed like Martinez was there to see pitches again as he hit .125 in eight at-bats over two games. Martinez’s bat has been a key asset to the Dodgers lineup this season. Currently, he is third on the Dodgers in OPS and home runs.

The designated hitter is also sitting behind Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in doubles and RBIs.

Busch was a solid option for the Dodgers coming off the bench with Martinez gone. Although he hit .167 over two stints with the Dodgers this season, Busch was able to get his first two career home runs during his most recent time with the team.

In Triple-A, Busch has dominated the entire level during the full season. With OKC he is hitting .323 with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs. With Martinez back with the team, the Dodgers can now have their full offensive potential for the stretch run.