Red Sox Remove J.D. Martinez From Thursday's Game With Back Tightness

The Red Sox offense could be taking slight a hit as J.D. Martinez continues to struggle with back spasms. The nagging injury forced the designated hitter into an early exit from the clash against Kansas City Royals on Thursday.

Martinez was pulled in the fifth inning, with Sam Travis entering the fold as his replacement.

JD Martinez out of the game with back spasms. Sam Travis replaced him.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) June 6, 2019

Before exiting the game, Martinez was 1-for-2 with a double and a run. The 31 year old has put together another solid season batting .294 with 12 homers and 33 RBI.

Martinez has been plagued by recurring back spasms all season long. He's already missed six games due to the injury, two in late April and four in late May. Although it was never serious enough to designate him to the injured list, his back has been a consistent hindrance for Martinez.

JD Martinez left today’s game early due to back spasms. He dealt with back tightness in 2017, so this is a recurring problem for him (as most back injuries are). #RedSox
— Inside Injuries (@InsideInjuries) June 6, 2019

Although the injury isn't serious, Boston could exercise caution and end up resting Martinez for a few games. Hopefully for the Red Sox, Martinez can recover quickly and be fully healthy when they need him the most towards the end of the season. It'd be better to have him rest up now than risk losing him for a pivotal stretch in the second half of the season.