Indians Confidential

While the pitching staff has had its share of injuries as of late, now the injury bug has spread to more position players - including catcher Victor Martinez. The Tribe’s catcher is set to have an MRI today for inflammation in his right elbow. Victor is already suffering from a tweaked hamstring that he suffered way back on opening day vs the White Sox at Progressive Field. There was plenty of discussion with GM Mark Shapiro and Wedge Wednesday about the thought of putting Martinez on the DL, and while both said it wouldn’t happen, now the elbow may force the issue.

Wedge told the media postgame on Wednesday that the elbow pain is something that Martinez has been playing through for sometime. It has become more obvious that it’s also a reason why he is having an off season at the plate, hitting .278 with no homers and 21 RBI. If there is one thing about Martinez, it’s that he’s a hitter, and now more than ever the team should explore putting him on the DL and giving him a rest to see if he can come back and be his old self again.

Another position player that may find himself on the DL is second basemen Josh Barfield, who has a sprained finger. It took place on a check-swing Tuesday night that forced him to leave the game. Wedge said that its not all that uncommon of an injury, as when you check-swing your fingers continue to move forward, causing the sprain. Barfield will get looked at again today, and he may be headed for a trip to the DL.

Asked if that means Asdrubal Cabrera will find himself back on the MLB roster if Barfield is put on the DL, Wedge said that does not appear to be the case, but declined to reveal who would be brought up in his place. It would likely open the door to see more of Jamey Carroll at second base until Barfield is ready to play.