TAMPA, Fla. -- Two key names for the Tigers received work in a Minor League game on Monday afternoon in Lakeland against Nationals prospects.
Designated hitter Victor Martinez, who's recovering from a left hamstring strain, went 1-for-4 with a single to center field. He also grounded out and popped out twice. Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann threw six innings and allowed four runs (two earned), nine hits and one walk with five strikeouts. He tossed 91 pitches, 59 for strikes.
Speaking from George M. Steinbrenner Field on Monday night, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus was optimistic that Martinez will be ready to return to regular action on Tuesday. Martinez has hit .321 with two home runs and five RBIs in 28 at-bats in Grapefruit League play. He hasn't played since March 14.
"He should be a 'go' [Tuesday]," Ausmus said.
Ausmus said Zimmermann concentrated on his changeup in the outing. He is 1-0 in three Grapefruit League starts, allowing five runs, eight hits and one walk with eight strikeouts.
"He was fine," Ausmus said. "He was just getting his work in. He was working on his changeup a little bit. He threw around 90 pitches, so that's really the important thing."