ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Diamondbacks outfielder J.D. Martinez scratched from lineup

Aug 18, 2017, 4:48 PM | Updated: 4:49 pm
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)...
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

J.D. Martinez came over to the Arizona Diamondbacks from the Detroit Tigers in mid-July and has made his presence felt immediately.

It won’t be felt Friday night when the D-backs play the Minnesota Twins, however.

Martinez was scratched from the lineup because of an illness.

The 29-year-old was originally supposed to bat fifth behind Paul Goldschmidt in the cleanup spot.

Because the contest is in Minnesota, the teams will play by American League rules, meaning a designated hitter spot is available.

David Peralta will move over from left field to right field, Gregor Blanco moves from center field to left field, A.J. Pollock will start in center field instead of being the designated hitter, and Brandon Drury moves into the seventh spot in the lineup as the DH.

Martinez has played in 25 games for the D-backs, and has hit eight home runs with 20 RBI. His average has dipped from .305 to .239 since moving over from Detroit.

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