CLEVELAND -- After missing a three-game home series against Tampa Bay with a sinus infection, designated hitter Victor Martinez returned to the Tigers' starting lineup, batting fifth, for Thursday's series opener against the Indians at Progressive Field.
Coincidentally, Martinez last played in Detroit against Cleveland on Sunday. Manager Brad Ausmus had planned to sit Martinez the day prior because of his recent struggles, but let the 36-year-old switch hitter play because of his career numbers against starting pitcher Danny Salazar, who was Thursday night's starting pitcher. Martinez picked up a pair of hits against Salazar and earned himself another day in the lineup before the illness set in.