Alex Cora Provides Injury Update On Crucial Red Sox Reliever

The Boston Red Sox were in need of a setup man Friday night as their bullpen coughed up a slim lead in the eighth inning to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

One of Alex Cora’s most trusted options in those situations usually is Chris Martin, but the veteran right-handed reliever wasn’t available to the skipper since he is on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.

Martin’s IL stint is retroactive to July 4, meaning if everything had gone right for him, he could have returned for the series opener in Los Angeles. But the 38-year-old relief arm suffered a setback prior to the All-Star break and it doesn’t look like he’ll pitch for the Red Sox anytime soon given the update Cora gave Friday.

“He’s going to Boston just to keep rehabbing and then see where we’re at,” Cora told reporters, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “From what I know right now, no imaging. So hopefully with the rest and staying away from trying to throw, he’ll feel better.”

Martin was one of the best relief pitchers a year ago in his first season with the Red Sox. Martin hasn’t replicated those results this season, but has still been solid by posting a 2-1 record with a 3.42 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP and opponents batting .255 off of him. He also has registered 29 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings.

With Martin sidelined, Cora tried to stretch Zack Kelly two innings — he was only effective for one — and relied upon Brennan Bernardino to face the mashers in the Dodgers’ vaunted lineup. It didn’t go Cora’s way as Bernardino allowed a grand slam to Freddie Freeman.

Getting Martin back would be a big boost to the bullpen in trying to bridge the gap to closer Kenley Jansen. Justin Slaten, who has emerged as a key setup reliever as well this season, is also on the IL with right elbow inflammation — same injury as Martin. There’s no exact timeline for Slaten’s return, either.