Martin continues to look like he could be ready to start season; goes 2-for-2 in minor-league game

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This Russell Martin progress thing is starting to get serious.

Martin continued to look well ahead of schedule from his groin injury Thursday and a lot like someone who could be ready to start the season.

Martin went 2-for-2 and caught four innings in a double-A game for the Dodgers at Surprise, Ariz.

The Dodgers initially believed Martin would be out four to six weeks with the pulled groin, but it is beginning to look like he could round into shape by the season opener April 5 in Pittsburgh.

If he doesn’t suffer any unusual soreness from Thursday, he is scheduled to catch six innings in a triple-A game Friday and lead off every inning for the Dodgers.

Thursday, Martin doubled in his first at-bat, and then got a quick test of his groin. The next batter lined a shot to the second baseman. Martin was running on contact, but quickly stopped and changed directions to head back to second.

But the ball went off the infielder’s glove and into center, and Martin had to change directions again. He said afterward the groin held up well.

He lined a single in his next at-bat and scored from third.

--Steve Dilbeck