Martin's return to lineup short-lived after brief hiatus

ST. LOUIS -- Russell Martin gave it a go. But after 5 1/2 innings, three at-bats and two painful trots up the first-base line, the Pirates catcher had to give in.

Returning to the lineup after sitting out two games, Martin endured for a little longer than half of Friday night's 1-0 loss to the Cardinals.

When he departed following his grounder to third in the sixth inning, the club's official announcement attributed the removal to "hamstring tightness."

After the gamer, however, manager Clint Hurdle tried to move away from that conclusion.

"It may not be correct to say that was the reason," said Hurdle, otherwise deferring the matter to the club's medical personnel.

Martin was receiving treatment, and his situation was to be re-evaluated Saturday. His placement on the disabled list, and the return from Triple-A Indianapolis of Tony Sanchez, is entirely possible.