Detroit Tigers: J.D. Martinez, JaCoby Jones on road to recovery

Two Detroit Tigers outfielders, J.D. Martinez and JaCoby Jones, are participating in game action as they work to return from the disabled list.

The Detroit Tigers got some good news on Friday when Miguel Cabrera (groin) was able to do some running and take batting practice before the game. There’s more good injury news today as we learn of J.D. Martinez and JaCoby Jones’ participation in live action as they work to return from their own injuries.

Martinez has been in Lakeland, Florida rehabbing at the Tigers’ spring training facility. Evan Woodbery reports that he was able to play designated hitter in an extended spring training game on Friday.

The rules are lax in minor league extended spring games. Rehabbing major leagues are allowed to hit in every inning without waiting for the batting order to come back around to them. This is a way for players like Martinez to get at-bats in bulk before going out on a traditional rehab assignment.

Center fielder JaCoby Jones will head to Toledo to begin a rehab assignment. He hit the disabled list after needing stitches when a pitch hit him in the face one week ago. Anthony Fenech had the report on Twitter.

Jones might not have needed 10 days to recovery from the injury, but he was scuffling at the plate at the time of the incident, so the DL stint allowed him some mental time off and will afford him the chance to get some AAA at-bats to find his swing without having to be optioned and recalled.

Next: Miguel Cabrera ran and took BP on Friday

Jones will be eligible to return from the disabled list on Wednesday. Martinez can return whenever he feels healthy enough to play without restriction.