Russell Martin

Russell Martin blasted his third home run of the season on Saturday, but it was the only offense that the Yankees could muster in a loss to the Royals.

Martin finished the night 3-for-4, raising his average to .206. While he’s struggled to make consistent contact, he’s still getting on base at a solid clip and playing good defense behind the plate. If you can stomach the low average, his power numbers play well enough to provide plenty of value in fantasy leagues.

Russell Martin went 0-for-3 in Wednesday’s loss to the Orioles, lowering his average on the season to .150.

While Martin has been getting on base at a somewhat acceptable rate (.320 OBP), he’s struggling to make consistent contact. The 29-year-old backstop will remain in the lineup because the Yanks don’t have a better option, but he needs to start producing.

Russell Martin will serve as the Yankees’ designated hitter Tuesday night against the Orioles.

Chris Stewart will make the start behind the plate and catch Phil Hughes. Andruw Jones will make the start in right field while Eduardo Nunez gets another start in left.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Yankees “have no plans to negotiate soon” with Russell Martin, who is slated to hit free agency after the season.

It’s not surprising, as the Yankees rarely have extension discussions with their players during the season. The team reportedly was prepared to offer him a three-year, $20 million deal during spring training, but Martin evidently thinks he’s worth more than that. The two sides will talk again after the season.

Russell Martin is not in Tuesday’s starting lineup against the Twins.

He’s just getting a day off. Chris Stewart will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Russell Martin is just 4-for-22 (.182) through his first nine games of the 2012 regular season.

But he has walked nine times and is currently sporting a fantastic .455 on-base percentage. Martin finished the 2011 campaign with a .237/.324/.408 batting line.

Russell Martin is sitting out Friday’s game with a sore left groin.

It’s not clear how long he might be out, though the Yankees don’t seem overly concerned about the catcher. Martin doesn’t need a ton of reps in game, so as long as the injury doesn’t linger, he’ll be fine by Opening Day.

Russell Martin stole his fourth base of the spring Sunday against the Phillies.

We’re not sure what Martin is trying to prove, but he might want to think about saving his legs for August and September. Even if he has a goal of stealing 15-20 bases this season, as he did a couple of years with the Dodgers, what’s the point of showing his hand now?

Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Yankees and Russell Martin have decided to table extension talks until after the season.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the two sides “mutually agreed to wait” after Martin’s agent, Matt Colleran, called on Friday. Colleran said Thursday that talks had hit an impasse and Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com later reported that the Yankees were prepared to offer a three-year deal worth $20 million. Martin will make $7.5 million this season before hitting free agency and would likely ask for $8-10 million per season as part of a multi-year pact.