Martínez (left foot inflammation) exits Saturday's game in the 5th inning
This browser does not support the video element.
CLEVELAND -- Guardians left fielder Angel Martínez exited Saturday’s game against the Red Sox after just four innings due to left foot inflammation, the club announced.
It was not immediately clear when Martínez may have hurt his foot, though he appeared to wince when he caught a line drive hit by Boston’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the second inning. The 24-year-old took two plate appearances and struck out swinging in each before he exited.
Stuart Fairchild replaced Martínez in left field in the top of the fifth inning, which marked the 30-year-old’s Guardians debut. Cleveland selected his contract from Triple-A Columbus on Friday after Steven Kwan went on the bereavement/family medical emergency list.
Martínez has been one of Cleveland’s top bright spots this season. He entered Saturday slashing .246/.284/.454 with nine doubles, nine home runs (first on the team) and 29 RBIs (second) this season, while splitting his time across the three outfield spots.
Martínez made what manager Stephen Vogt deemed “the play of the game” in the Guardians’ 4-3 win on Friday. He recorded an outfield assist in the second inning by throwing out Boston’s Mickey Gasper at home plate. It loomed large in the one-run win.