Blue Jays' Martin exits with oblique strain

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin made an early exit from Friday's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, departing with a left oblique strain, the team announced, after making a few warm-up throws before the start of the second inning at Rogers Centre.

He was replaced behind the plate by Raffy Lopez.

In the bottom of the first inning, Martin appeared to slip out of the batter's box after hitting a ground ball to third base off right-hander Jameson Taillon.

In 80 games this season, Martin, a four-time All-Star, owns a .737 OPS (96 OPS+) with 12 homers and seven doubles, putting up more WAR (1.8) than all but eight catchers.