Tigers' J.D. Martinez playing at '85 percent'

Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez is trying to play through some pain in hopes of busting out of a recent slump.

The 27-year-old departed Wednesday's game with stiffness in his lower back but was able to return to the lineup the following day as the team's designated hitter, despite fighting through some discomfort.

"I think it's probably bothering him a little bit today, but as Victor (Martinez) has done and like Miggy (Cabrera) did last year, we have a group of guys who will play through some pain," manager Brad Ausmus told Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press following the Tigers' 13-1 win Thursday.

"And it just goes to show you that a guy like J.D., even if he's at 85 percent, can contribute and help the team win."

Martinez has shown signs of breaking out of a recent nine-game skid that saw him slash .069/.270/.103 with one double and 16 strikeouts. Over his past three games, the five-year veteran went 5-for-10 with one home run.