BALTIMORE — Russell Martin was encouraged by the way his shoulder responded to his first game action in nearly two weeks, a welcome development for a Toronto Blue Jays team dealing with more than its share of injuries.
“My body felt good,” Martin said. “Held strong. No issues, so that’s definitely a good sign for me.”
Martin spent 12 days on the disabled list because of nerve irritation in his left shoulder before being activated Saturday. On a practical level his shoulder had weakened to the point that he had trouble setting a target at times. Strengthening exercises and rest appear to have helped the 34-year-old, who had to test his shoulder Saturday when Mike Bolsinger missed his spots.
“If I didn’t (feel good) I was going to lie, but I don’t have to lie, because it feels good,” Martin said. “I feel like I got tested a few times. Full range of motion. A couple of high pitches, no issues at all, so definitely really happy about that.”
Martin had a cortisone shot in his left shoulder May 8, followed by five days of rest. He then resumed baseball activities with the team but didn’t require a rehab stint. He singled in four trips to the plate Saturday as the Blue Jays lost 7-5 to the Orioles.
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RETURN TO THIRD
Jose Bautista played third base for the 388th time in his career Saturday, after Anthony Alford replaced Ryan Goins in the Blue Jays’ lineup. It’s the second time this year that Bautista has appeared at the hot corner, and he’s willing to return if needed. At the same time, he hasn’t played more than three games there since 2011, so it’s an adjustment.
“Having been there before makes it a little easier, but the comfort level’s not the same as right field,” Bautista said. “It takes a minute and here and there hopefully only when needed. I can manage.”
ALFORD ALL BASEBALL
On the day he made his MLB debut Anthony Alford seemed at peace with his decision to focus entirely on baseball instead of juggling his MLB dreams with a football career.
“I missed the things than came with football rather than being out and getting headaches, banging with other grown men,” Alford said. “I don’t necessarily miss playing football. I enjoy the atmosphere when I go back to watch games.”
The Blue Jays are certainly glad that Alford chose baseball. He had no shortage of encouragement from teammates after reaching the MLB level for the first time.
“There’s probably not a more liked guy out there,” manager John Gibbons said. “You can tell why. They feel good because they’ve all been in his shoes.”
SANCHEZ VS. DAVIS
Friday’s start landed Aaron Sanchez on the disabled list, but not before he held a longtime nemesis in check. Chris Davis entered the game with four home runs in 28 plate appearances against Sanchez for a .444/.643/1.222 batting line. For at least one night, Sanchez held the Orioles slugger in check, with two strikeouts and a groundout in three at bats.
