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Martin calls Dodgers reunion 'one of the best birthday gifts'

Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Russell Martin doesn't officially turn 36 years old until Friday, but the veteran catcher has already received his favorite present.

"It's like one of the best birthday gifts I've ever had," Martin said of rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times.

Martin began his career as a member of the Dodgers in 2006 when he stormed onto the scene with a .282/.355/.436 slash line to go along with 10 homers and 10 steals over 121 games. A 17th-round pick in the 2002 MLB Draft, Martin went on to win the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger at catcher in the following season, making back-to-back All-Star games.

After injury troubles and a pair of disappointing seasons, the Dodgers non-tendered Martin following the 2010 campaign, resulting in the backstop signing a contract with the New York Yankees.

He then spent a pair of seasons each with the Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates before the Toronto Blue Jays signed him to a five-year, $82-million contract. With one season remaining on that deal, Toronto traded Martin back to the Dodgers earlier this winter for minor-leaguers Ronny Brito and Andrew Sopko.

"I have to pinch myself to realize that I'm back here," Martin added. "Because I wish I never would have left."

Martin will reunite with some of his former teammates, including ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw, whose major-league debut was caught by Martin on May 25, 2008 - a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The veteran catcher is likely to split time behind the plate with Austin Barnes as the Dodgers deal with the loss of Yasmani Grandal via free agency.

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