When the information broke that the Dodgers had signed veteran slugger J.D. Martinez to a one-year deal that was value $10 million final offseason, it was seen as a terrific transfer. Martinez had been one of many higher hitters in baseball over the previous couple of years, however a down 2022 12 months noticed his worth dip throughout the league.
He joined the Dodgers to attempt to get his worth again up, and he has completed simply that and extra. It has been a resurgent season for Martinez, and he has been one of many extra productive members of the LA squad.
On the 12 months, Martinez has hit .266 with 28 dwelling runs and 91 runs batted in. At age 36, Martinez has continued to get higher, and he has slot in with this crew like a glove.
Supervisor Dave Roberts gave his ideas on the 12 months that Martinez has put collectively, and how he’s hopeful that the veteran can keep wholesome down the stretch of the season.
“He’s such a risk, he’s such knowledgeable hitter. And he’s had an incredible 12 months as effectively. It was a giant void not having him,” stated Roberts. “It seems like we’re out of the woods (together with his harm), and he’s taking superb care of himself. So I’m retaining my fingers crossed that that a part of it’s behind us, and we’ve got him within the lineup each night time.”
Martinez had himself one other stable night time on Monday in opposition to the Detroit Tigers, hitting two dwelling runs on the night. It’s video games like this that present how efficient he’s throughout the Dodgers lineup, and why he can be relied upon closely within the postseason.
He has handled some accidents this season, however he’s hopeful that they’re behind him. Martinez desires to be on the market serving to his teammates win video games in no matter approach he can.
“I obtained to be real looking with myself,” Martinez stated. “It’s laborious to get in a groove not understanding the place my physique is every single day, simply because I’m not in there every single day. However I simply obtained to remain on high of my rehab and workout routines and controlling the stuff I can within the coaching room.”
Signing him at simply $10 million was a steal for the Dodgers entrance workplace. There’s a sturdy argument to be made that he is likely one of the greatest contracts within the league, because of the worth he brings.
Because the 12 months winds down, the Dodgers will look to Martinez to stay productive together with his bat and convey his veteran management to the desk. They’ve the aim of successful the World Collection in thoughts, and now they only must exit and execute the plan.
Picture Credit score: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports activities
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