It's Official: JD Martinez Is NOT On The Red Sox Roster for Wild Card Game

The Boston Red Sox will be without one of their top run producers for the AL Wild Card Game: JD Martinez is not on the roster, after spraining his ankle in the final game of the regular season.

BREAKING: J.D. Martinez is *not* on the Boston roster for tonight's AL Wild Card Game. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 5, 2021

Martinez—usually a designated hitter—was playing the outfield in the Red Sox final series of the season in Washington, and his apparent unfamiliarity running out to a position in right field left him tripping over second base and rolling his ankle, causing the sprain.

Martinez has been getting treatment on the ankle for the past day and a half, and the MRI came back this morning showing no structural damage, but he's still in pain, and is clearly unable to go tonight.

Martinez had an .867 OPS this season, with 28 home runs and 99 RBIs, plus 42 doubles—tied for most in the majors. Production that the BoSox will have to do without in this game.

Also absent from the Red Sox roster for the game, is starting pitcher Chris Sale. He pitched in Sunday's regular season finale, though he only lasted into the 3rd inning.

The good news for the Red Sox in their winner-take-all game against their heated rivals? The Yankees won't have Bucky Dent in their lineup.