Detroit Tigers: Victor Martinez’ Habit of Crushing AL Central Pitching

Detroit Tigers fans have seen Victor Martinez produce at the plate since he joined the franchise in 2011. Unsurprisingly, Martinez owns excellent numbers against the rest of the American League Central.

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez has had a long and successful career.

Over the course of 14 seasons, the 38-year-old has mashed 227 home runs while driving in 1077 runs.

He’ll likely reach 2000 hits at some point in 2017 as one of the anchors of a Tigers lineup that will also feature Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton.

The designated hitter enters Spring Training with 1936 hits to his name.

Due to Martinez’ lengthy success—especially in the American League Central, where he’s spent over 13 seasons with Detroit and Cleveland— it probably isn’t surprising that the hitter has been extremely productive against divisional foes.

In fact, Martinez has logged entire seasons worth of games, and then some, against the likes of the Royals, White Sox and Twins.

And in those games, the switch-hitter has done nothing but produce.

Chicago White Sox

The veteran has hit more home runs against the Chicago White Sox than any other franchise, with 29.

He also owns a .329 batting average, a .403 on-base percentage, a .512 slugging percentage and a .915 OPS.

Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider Martinez has played 193 games and logged 792 plate appearances against the White Sox.

More from Detroit Tigers News

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

During those games, the former Red Sox player also has contributed 115 RBI, 106 runs scored and 39 doubles.

Martinez has also totaled nearly as many walks (86) as walks (88) against Chicago.

Kansas City Royals

While the designated hitter has hit the most number of home runs against the White Sox, he’s racked up the most RBI against Kansas City.

Over the span of 202 games against the franchise, the 38-year-old has accounted for 122 RBI. He also owns a .285 batting average, a .766 OPS and 21 home runs.

Other stats against the Royals include 95 runs scored and 44 doubles.

Minnesota Twins

It is a similar story in terms of production regarding Martinez’ career numbers against Minnesota.

The veteran has accounted for 114 hits, 92 runs scored, 48 doubles and 27 home runs while hitting .299 versus the Twins.

That production has taken place in 193 games, during which Martinez’ OPS is .831.

Cleveland

Rounding out the list of American League Central clubs is Victor Martinez’ former employers in Cleveland.

In 98 games against Detroit’s division rivals, the designated hitter has crushed 14 long balls while chipping in with 68 RBI and 59 runs scored.

Next: Breaking Down Tyler Collins' Notable Splits

He is a .314 hitter with an .893 OPS against the team that signed him as an amateur free agent.