J.D. Martinez held out of lineup as precaution

Lakeland, Fla. — J.D. Martinez could have played Saturday and he wanted to play.

But this early in camp, manager Brad Ausmus wasn’t taking any chances.

“He has a little discomfort in his pec (pectoral muscle),” Ausmus said. “He was going to hit to see if he was fine, but I just scratched him. He doesn’t even know he’s scratched. But he’s played two days in a row. If something’s bothering him, we’re just going to give him a day off at this point in the spring.”

Non-roster invitee Juan Carlos Perez, who has played second base and third base in camp thus far, and was originally slated to start in center field Saturday, was moved to right field to replace Martinez.

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Mikie Mahtook started in center.

Third baseman Nick Castellanos missed his second straight day with an illness.

“I talked to him this morning and he’s still not feeling good,” Ausmus said. “I told him to stay home.”

Ausmus said Castellanos has a fever and is congested.

Utility man Andrew Romine, who saw his first action in center field Friday, got the start at third base.

Center fielder Tyler Collins was available to hit Saturday, but he won’t be able to throw for another two weeks. He strained his left lat muscle earlier in the week.

Twitter @cmccosky