Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said that Martinez might begin a rehab assignment as just a designated hitter, due to his inability to throw without pain, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
Martinez got some swings in the batting cage on Thursday, as the pain doesn't bother him when he hits. He will get rehab at-bats as a designated hitter until he is able to throw pain-free. This will hopefully get him back in Detroit sooner as the Tigers head begin their stretch run. The Tigers will continue to do everything they can to get Martinez back on the field as soon as possible without jeopardizing his health.