BOSTON -- Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez began an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday at Durham. Martinez served as the Mud Hens' designated hitter and went 1-for-5 with an RBI.
The right fielder has been on the disabled list since June 17 with a non-displaced fracture in his right elbow.
Manager Brad Ausmus said the Tigers will consider moving Martinez to the outfield after evaluating how well he does at the dish.
"We're playing it by ear. He's going to DH these first two days. Then Toledo has an off-day and then we're going to see how he feels. There's a chance he could play in the outfield on Friday, there's a chance he could DH again. We're just going to see how it goes," Ausmus said.
Martinez was hitting .286/.358/.520 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs in 65 games this season.
Ausmus, who had a chance to watch Martinez in batting practice, said he looks healthy to the naked eye but will have to play through some slight discomfort to return in a timely manner.
"He looks fine swinging. He said he could feel it at times when he gets extended. But it immediately goes away. It's not like it hurts and is lingering pain. So you can't tell watching him that there's anything there," Ausmus said.
If it were up to Martinez, he would be back with Detroit now, according to Ausmus.
"He was very comfortable, was borderline adamant that he could start DH-ing. That's why I made the move," Ausmus said.