Russell Martin appears to be ahead of schedule in triple-A game

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Here’s your latest encouraging Russell Martin update, courtesy of the Dodgers’ public-relations department, as the catcher continues to recover from a pulled groin ahead of schedule.

On Friday, Martin caught six innings in a triple-A spring game without any physical setback. He went two-for-six with a run against the Reds’ minor league team.

He batted second in each of the first six innings. A look at each at-bat:

First: Hard grounder through the box off the pitcher, retired 1-3.

Second: Line-drive single to left; scored easily from first on a double by Timo Perez.

Third: Grounded out 5-3.

Fourth: Struck out looking.

Fifth: Grounded out 4-3.

Sixth: Line-drive single to right, lifted for a pinch-runner.

In the field, he caught Eric Stults the first inning, John Ely for the next four and Mario Alvarez in the sixth. He had to block a few balls in the dirt and also attempted to throw out a runner stealing third base.

-- Steve Dilbeck