Russell Martin’s ironman routine working out for Dodgers, but Torre should be cautious

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Seems Russell Martin is getting his wish.

He likes to play a lot. Likes to play pretty much all the time.

Joe Torre keeps saying he’s going to rest Martin, and then writes his name in the lineup card again.

The temptation is understandable, but overworked catchers can wear down late in the season. And Torre, a former catcher, should know it better than most.

But with Martin in the midst of a career-high, 14-game hitting streak -- and with regulars Andre Ethierand Rafael Furcal on the injured list -- the temptation to keep playing him is apparently irresistible.

‘I keep saying an end is going to come at some point,’’ Torre said. ‘But he’s feeling good, his body is good. He’s about as consistent as I’ve seen him in three years, both at bat and at the plate.’’

Martin has hit .304 during his hitting streak, raising his average from a season-low .241 to .266.

Now batting in the leadoff spot with Furcal out, he’s also raised his on-base percentage to .342 and his slugging percentage to .381. He hit his fourth home run on May 11. Last season he didn’t hit his fourth until Aug. 20.

‘As far as his consistent approach, in the three years I’ve been here, that’s the best,’’ Torre said. ‘He feels so good about himself that he’s not afraid of the leadership stuff I had heard a lot about.

‘I think he’s been as solid as anyone on this club as far as what he’s done in the clubhouse, with the reports, doing a lot of things, catching every day.’’

Martin has started in 35 of the Dodgers’ 40 games, and played in all but one.

-- Steve Dilbeck