Leonys Martin is doing "fantastic" in his recovery from a life-threatening bacterial infection, says Indians manager Terry Francona, but the outfielder will be sidelined the rest of the season as his recovery continues.
The 30-year-old hasn't played since Aug. 7, when he became ill with the infection, requiring hospitalization. The infection entered his bloodstream and produced toxins that damaged his organs.
But Martin was released from the Cleveland Clinic Saturday. Francona said although he is on the road to recovery, doctors want him to take the rest of the season off.
"The news is really good," Francona said Wednesday (via Cleveland.com). "He's doing fantastic, but he's not going to play baseball this year. We just wanted to share it with the guys. They ask all the time. We just want to keep them abreast of what is going on.
"Overall, he's done so well. We're just so thrilled for him."
Francona said Martin wants to play.
"He wanted to play," Francona said, "but I think the doctors just thought with what happened he needs some time to let his body heal and we fully support that."
Acquired by the Indians from the Tigers at the non-waiver trade deadline, Martin finishes 2018 with a .255/.323/.425 slash line and 11 home runs in 84 games.