With starting catcher Russell Martin still sidelined by a pulled groin muscle, backup catcher Brad Ausmus missed practice Saturday after receiving an epidural injection in his lower back Friday.

Ausmus, who turns 41 next month, is sharing the catching duties with rookie A.J. Ellis while Martin is out. A club official said Ausmus has had similar back issues in the past that have responded well to the injections. — Ken Gurnick