BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -Cleveland Indians catcher Victor Martinez, sidelined two months because of right elbow inflammation, drove in two runs Tuesday night in his first Triple-A rehab appearance.
Martinez was 1-of-2 in four plate appearances in Buffalo’s 10-1 International League win over Lehigh Valley.
After a first-inning fly out, he walked and scored, then delivered a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the fifth before hitting an RBI single one inning later.
“My elbow feels pretty good,” said Martinez, who was 2-for-6 with a home run in two games with Double-A Akron last weekend. “Thursday I get to catch nine innings and we’ll go from there.”
In six innings behind the plate, Martinez was not tested by any runners. He had his elbow wrapped when playing defense and wore an additional pad while batting.
“I use it to keep my arm tight,” Martinez said. “To hit, I’m going to have to wear it the rest of the season. I’m not a big fan of hitting with that pad.”
Before going on the disabled list June 21, the 29-year-old batted .278 without a homer in 54 games with Cleveland this season.
Buffalo has two other Indians – designated hitter Travis Hafner and second baseman Josh Barfield – on rehab assignments. Neither played Tuesday night.
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