CLEVELAND (AP) -Victor Martinez’s big smile nearly lit up Cleveland’s clubhouse.
Finally back after missing more than 2 1/2 months with an injured right elbow, the Indians’ catcher could hardly contain his excitement. This was a new beginning.
“Nice,” a beaming Martinez said. “It feels nice coming back.”
The two-time All-Star, who had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow on June 13, was activated from the 15-day disabled list and started at first base as the streaking Indians, winners of 10 straight games and 16 of 19, opened a three-game series Friday night against the Seattle Mariners.
Martinez, who came into the season with a .301 career average, was batting .278 with no home runs and 21 RBIs in 54 games before the Indians placed him on the DL. The 29-year-old had played hurt for the first two months before finally relenting to the pain in his elbow.
Martinez doesn’t regret playing as long as he did.
“I don’t go back and think if I should have stopped or not,” he said. “I love to play this game and I’ll play however.”
The Indians will ease the switch-hitting Martinez back behind the plate. He’s scheduled to catch only twice a week. Manager Eric Wedge will use Martinez as his DH and at first, which could end up being his permanent position.
“He’s not going to be catching everyday,” Wedge said. “I think the most important thing this year is to make sure that when the season is over that this injury is behind him, that he feels good about it and that we feel good about it. That’s our goal.”
Martinez said it’s been tough not being able to help the Indians. Cleveland’s season took a downward turn while Martinez and slugger Travis Hafner were out with injuries. Once the Indians dropped from contention following a 10-game losing streak before the All-Star break, general manager Mark Shapiro traded ace C.C. Sabathia, third baseman Casey Blake and pitcher Paul Byrd.
But the Indians haven’t quit and are an AL-best 28-14 since July 10.
Martinez has been impressed by Cleveland’s surge and he doesn’t want it to stop. The Indians had hoped this could be a special season, and Martinez believes they can still have one.
“How many games are left, 29? It’s never too late,” Martinez said. “You never know what’s going to happen. We lost 10 games in a row, right? So who knows. What happens if the White Sox or Twins lose 10 games in a row? This is baseball. You never know what’s going to happen. You might see the biggest comeback in history, and I want to be there.”
To make room for Martinez on the active roster, the Indians designated infielder Andy Gonzalez for assignment.
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