Tigers veteran Martinez makes final major league appearance

Detroit Tigers veteran Victor Martinez played in his final major league game Saturday.

The 39-year-old Martinez, who made his debut with Cleveland in 2002, hit an infield single in his first at-bat and was immediately removed for pinch-runner Ronny Rodriguez. Fellow Venezuelans Salvador Perez and Alcides Escobar came out of the Royals’ dugout to embrace the five-time All-Star as he walked off the field to a standing ovation.

Martinez was honored in a pregame ceremony that included a video tribute and gifts for his family presented by the team’s other Latin American players, including Miguel Cabrera, who had been away from the team while rehabbing his biceps injury.

There were also presents from Martinez’s teammates and the Tigers organization. In honor of his future career as a cattle rancher, the gifts included handmade cowboy boots and a saddle emblazoned with the Tigers logo.

■ Colorado manager Bud Black said shortstop Trevor Story “had a good day in the batting cage” and that “We’re real close to turning him loose.”

Story injured his elbow throwing the baseball Monday against the Dodgers in Los Angeles and has not played since. It was initially thought to be a more severe injury but an MRI showed no structural damage.

■ Miami starter Jose Urena left Saturday’s game against Cincinnati in the sixth inning.

Urena pitched 5⅔ innings before being visited by a trainer. He then gave up consecutive singles and left the game. The Marlins made no announcement during the game regarding any injury.

■ Chicago selected Mike Freeman’s contract from Triple-A Iowa to provide some infield depth after Addison Russell was placed on administrative leave Friday following fresh allegations of domestic violence from his ex-wife. Russell said the allegations are “completely false.”

■ Pittsburgh scratched right-hander Joe Musgrove from his scheduled start Sunday due to a stress reaction in his pelvic bone and a strained abdomen. Musgrove will not pitch again this season and finished 6-9 with a 4.06 ERA in 19 starts.

■ Milwaukee outfielder Lorenzo Cain didn’t start for the third straight game due to right ribcage soreness but he appeared in the eighth inning of his team’s 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday and grounded out.

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