ARIZONA — Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after an MRI revealed a pulled groin.
Martin likely will miss Los Angeles' regular-season opener on April 5 at Pittsburgh.
A.J. Ellis, who has just 13 career major league at-bats, will get the bulk of the catching duties with Martin out. The Dodgers also have veteran backup Brad Ausmus, who turns 41 in April.
Martin first felt discomfort during a running drill a few days before the Dodgers' first spring game Friday. He started Friday's game against the White Sox and played five innings, even stealing a base.
Royals third baseman Alex Gordon is
expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks with a broken right
thumb.
Gordon was injured when he slid
headfirst into second base on an attempted steal in the second inning of
the Royals' 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday.
Gordon had hip surgery last April and
played in only 49 games, hitting .232 with six homers and 22 RBIs. He
was originally acquired with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Gordon, who bats left and throws
right, is unable to swing or throw, but can do cardio work and field
groundballs. It is doubtful he will be ready for the Royals' season
opener on April 5 against the Detroit Tigers.