Nothing minor about this: Dodgers catcher Russell Martin out 4 to 6 weeks

Turns out what Russell Martin called a "little strain" is actually a pulled groin that will sideline him for four to six weeks and force him to miss opening day.

Manager Joe Torre said Martin’s place would be taken by A.J. Ellis, who has spent a majority of the last two years in Triple A. A two-time September call-up, the 28-year-old Ellis has one hit in 13 career at-bats.

Torre said Martin would return to Los Angeles in the near future to undergo further examinations.

“We have to make sure we don’t rush something,” Torre said. “I was a catcher and I had groin injuries. If you didn’t pay attention, they never went away.”

-- Dylan Hernandez

Comments

[LV Blue]

Now we'll see if A.J. can get it done on the big team, I hope when Russ comes back this doesn't affect his psyche and put him in a rut. I was looking forward to seeing Russ have a comeback year.

[Mark]

I assume that A.J. Ellis will be platooning with Brad Ausmus. Ausmus is a veteran catcher who had a good batting average at the plate last year.