Martinez's signing delayed, but no problems anticipated

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FORT MYERS, Fla. --  After this winter, what’s a little more waiting?

J.D. Martinez arrived at JetBlue Park on Wednesday morning and was examined during the day. There was a possibility the Red Sox would finish the day by introducing Martinez in his new uniform -- that his agreed-upon, five-year deal would become official.

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We’re going to have to wait until Thursday at the earliest. 

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski on Wednesday evening told ESPN and NBC Sports Boston that he does not expect Martinez to be in workouts on Thursday. Nonetheless, all indications to this point are that the hold-up is related to the logistics of reviewing Martinez’s medicals.

The Sox are awaiting the results of Martinez’s medical exam(s), which can sometimes include different opinions from different doctors in different places. The Sox’ medical staff is, naturally, Boston-based. Specialists can sometimes be involved.

Media waited around JetBlue Park on Wednesday for word on a press conference’s scheduling. Naturally, there is a sense of the unknown attached to waiting with such a major acquisition.

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But with a deal this large and a player this impactful, the chances of anything going awry to the point a deal deteriorates are slim. The Sox have every right to make sure they’re making a sound investment, and there’s no need to rush a press conference. Contracts can be reworked in the instance something is discovered in Martinez’s exam. But, again, there is no evidence the Sox and Martinez are in that territory.

Martinez has had injuries in recent years. A collision with an outfield wall in 2016 left Martinez with a non-displaced fracture of the radial neck of the right elbow. To begin the 2017 season, Martinez had a sprained Lisfranc ligament in his right foot.

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