Fernando Martinez (back) is expected to return to the lineup Sunday. Martinez, who has been out of action nearly a week, participated in batting practice Thursday and said his back feels "much better." He's competing for an Opening Day roster spot.

Fernando Martinez (back) is expected to return to game action soon. Martinez hasn't played since leaving Saturday's game with back tightness. It doesn't sound like a major concern, but he's running out of time to prove that he's worthy of a roster spot.

Fernando Martinez is not in Sunday's lineup due to back tightness. Martinez exited Saturday's contest with the ailment. He should be fine in a few days.

Fernando Martinez doubled and singled in his two at-bats against the Nationals on Thursday. Martinez is 6-for-16 with a homer, two doubles and four RBI this spring. Since he's out of options, he's a very good bet to make the Astros if healthy. Still, there might be less playing time available for him now that Chris Carter is penciled in as the left fielder.

Fernando Martinez homered off Matt Harvey as the Astros and Mets played to a 7-7 tie on Sunday. Martinez skipped the WBC to enhance his chances of making the Astros. That he's out of options will definitely give him an edge if he puts together a respectable exhibition season.

Fernando Martinez will not play for the Spain in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The change of heart comes after Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said last month that Martinez's decision to play in the WBC could hurt his chances of making the Opening Day roster. "I just thought about and I figured it would be a lost couple of weeks and I want to make the team here," said Martinez. F-Mart batted .237/.300/.466 with six home runs, 14 RBI and a .766 OPS in 41 games with the Astros last season and will be in the mix for the starting right field job this spring.

Astros GM Jeff Luhnow said Thursday that Fernando Martinez's decision to participate in the 2013 WBC "potentially hurts" his shot at an Opening Day roster spot. That quote probably isn't sitting too well with World Baseball Classic organizers. F-Mart, who is currently penciled in as the Astros' starting right fielder, has pledged himself to Team Spain. He should be back in fine standing with Houston management if he doesn't get hurt.

Fernando Martinez went 2-for-3 with a long solo home run and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Cubs. Martinez has hit safely in five straight games and has homered in three straight. The former top prospect now has six homers in 40 games with the Astros this year. His injury history is difficult to ignore and his plate discipline (32/6 K/BB ratio) leaves a lot to be desired, but he could be an interesting name to watch if the Astros use him out of the DH spot next year.

Fernando Martinez is being listed as day-to-day with a right knee injury. The severity of the injury isn't yet known. Martinez was scratched from the Astros' lineup Sunday, and will be reevaluated early next week.

Fernando Martinez returned to action on Friday September 7.