Russell Martin won't be joining the New York Yankees' lineup against the Chicago White Sox in the series opener of the four-game series Thursday due to back stiffness, the YES Network reports. Martin missed three straight games with the same back problems before playing Wednesday in the series finale against the Cleveland Indians. He went 0-for-4 at the plate, however.
"Joe recognized my swing wasn't quite there and that I'm not moving like I normally move, and he just doesn't want to take any risks right now," Martin said. "Personally I feel like I can go out there. Do I feel 100 percent? No. That's why it's good to have a manager to make those decisions for you.
"It's almost there, just trying to prevent aggravating it."
Martin said he may miss a game or two, but doesn't expect to head to the disabled list. He clarified that his back was not aggravated by a collision with Indians first baseman Casey Kotchman at home plate, saying, "I just took the blow and rolled with it."
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