55 Russell Martin C

Martin is starting at catcher and hitting sixth against the Giants on Wednesday.

The veteran slides in for Austin Barnes, who will get a rest after starting the Dodgers' last two games. Martin is slashing .300/.444/.500 in eight games so far this season.

Martin (back) was activated from the injured list Saturday, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Martin wound up missing 17 days with lower-back inflammation. He had started five of the Dodgers' first 12 games prior to the injury and will likely return to a similar role. Rocky Gale was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Martin (back) came through his simulated game with no setbacks and is expected to start Sunday against the Pirates, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

This simulated game was the last step for Martin, and he came through it with no issues, clearing the way for his activation from the 10-day injured list. He should resume his timeshare behind the plate with Austin Barnes going forward.

Martin (back) will go through a simulated game Friday prior to being activated from the 10-day injured list, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Martin will have to clear one final hurdle before receiving the green light to return. The veteran backstop has been on the shelf since April 10 due to a lower-back strain but could be activated as soon as Saturday, assuming all goes well during his sim game.

Martin (back) will not go on a rehab start, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Martin, who participated in batting practice and caught a bullpen session Saturday, won't have to go to the minors first before coming back from his back injury. Per Plunkett, he'll go through a "simulated situation" Friday and could be activated from the injured list by next weekend. The veteran had five hits in 15 at-bats with a homer before he landed on the IL.