Angel Martinez took a real step toward rejoining the Guardians lineup on Friday, beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus as he works his way back from a left foot fracture that has sidelined him for more than a month. Martinez suffered the injury on June 13 when he fouled a pitch off his foot during a win over Detroit, and he landed on the 10-day injured list three days later. In his first game back, Martinez started in left field and batted second for Columbus, going 0-2 with two ground outs before rain suspended the contest. MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins detailed exactly what comes next in Martinez’s build-up toward a full return.
Stebbins reported that the Guardians are easing Martinez back in gradually rather than rushing him straight into a full workload.
“MartÃnez was slated to play five innings before Friday’s game was suspended. He is set to play for the Clippers again in the coming days as he continues to build up physically and work toward playing a full nine innings. They’re taking a day-by-day approach and following how he is feeling and how he looks during games. Columbus is on the road against St. Paul next week, while Double-A Akron has a six-game homestand against Altoona. So, MartÃnez’s assignment could transfer to the RubberDucks in the coming days,” Stebbins wrote.
Stebbins noted that Martinez was originally slated to play five innings before Friday’s game was cut short, and he is expected to keep building toward a full nine innings over his next few appearances with Columbus. Position players are given a 20-day window for a rehab assignment, and Cleveland has mapped out an initial plan for Martinez that runs through July 24, though the exact path could shift depending on how his foot responds.
Martinez’s return would be a significant boost for a Cleveland offense that has needed more consistent production, especially given how well he was playing before the injury. He entered the break tied with Chase DeLauter for the team lead in home runs at 11, and his .718 OPS through 66 games marked a sizable improvement over his production a year ago. His absence has opened the door for rookies Kahlil Watson and Petey Halpin to see extended time in the outfield, and one of them will likely head back to Columbus once Martinez is ready to be activated. With the trade deadline approaching and the AL Central race as tight as ever, getting a healthy version of Martinez back in the lineup could not come at a better time for the Guardians.
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