Blue Jays notes: Martin to play third base

There is some Blue Jays news today.

The big news is Russell Martin will play third base tonight. Yeah, we aren’t the only ones tired of Chris Coghlan’s stylings at third base.

I’m not sold on the idea of Martin playing third. First it forces Salty into the lineup. Saltalamacchia isn’t hitting at all. Add in that his defense isn’t what one might call great, and it seems like we are filling one hole, and opening up another one.

And, the only good reason for using Salty is to get Russell Martin a day of rest. Now we have found a way to get Salty in the lineup, while managing not to rest Martin.

But, I’ll admit I’m interested to watch....see how Russell does at the position.

J.P. Howell has been activated from the DL. Leonel Campos has been optioned back to Buffalo. Howell pitched 2 innings of rehab in Dunedin, giving up just 1 hit and getting 5 strikeouts. Course, that’s a few levels below the majors.

Today’s lineup (no DH, no Smoak, no Travis):