Tigers bring in specialist to review Martinez’s MRI

Lakeland, Fla. — The Tigers remain in a holding pattern regarding right fielder J.D. Martinez, who left the game Saturday with a right mid-foot sprain.

X-rays taken Saturday were negative. He had an MRI Sunday morning.

“We have the results, but we are waiting to hear from a foot specialist,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “We should know relatively soon.”

Ausmus, pressed for more details, said there was nothing for him to say until they got the report back from the specialist. He wouldn’t even discuss the initial findings of the MRI.

“I can’t say,” he said. “I’d tell you but I might be misleading you. Our docs have looked at it (the MRI) and they wanted a specialist to look at it before we can put any kind of timeframe on it.”

Clearly, though, the necessity of a specialist suggests Martinez is going to miss some extended time. If he had to be placed on the disabled list to start the season, it could open a roster spot for Steven Moya.

Moya, who is out of minor league options, was facing either the waiver wire or a possible trade if he didn’t make the 25-man roster.

Martinez injured his right foot Saturday, making a running catch in the first inning against the Marlins.

chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com

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