Detroit Tigers Heroes and Zeroes Week 12: J.D. Martinez rises

Jun 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) hits an three RBI double in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Hero: Victor Martinez

It is certainly nice to welcome back to old Victor Martinez isn’t it?

Honoring Michigan and Michigan State with Detroit Tigers biggest rivalries

Motor City Bengals

Cleveland Indians: All-Millennium lineup 20 years into the 2000s Away Back Gone

Detroit Tigers: All 2000s Fantasy Baseball Roster Motor City Bengals

Detroit Tigers: Ranking Free Agent Signings of the Decade: Hitters Motor City Bengals

MLB: Please don't ban the shift, encourage teams to adjust to it Call to the Pen

MLB all-time: Top 10 Greatest DH Seasons of All Time, Part 1 Call to the Pen

Look, we all wanted him back in the lineup on Opening Day. So fans can take some of the blame for the shell of Victor being in the lineup. The Tigers can take some of the blame as well because they clearly saw how much he was struggling throughout April and the first half of May before finally sitting him down. Victor himself should take some blame because sometimes having a huge heart can be detrimental when you want to get back for your teammates so bad that you push yourself and convince yourself you’re ready when you’re not.

No matter who is to blame, it is clear that V-Mart is back on the right track and is following along the path he took in 2013 when he was struggling at the start of the season, after missing 2012, but caught fire to end the season with an average over .300.

Martinez’s slash line before the DL: .216/308/.270/.578, and after the DL stint: .324/.359/.486/.845. In his first full week back, he hit .320 with a .786 OPS, notching six RBIs, none bigger than his three run double that turned a 4-1 Chicago advantage to a tie game.

That hit was easily V-Mart’s biggest of the season and one of the biggest for the Tigers as a team.

Martinez’s impactful presence in the lineup can be felt from top to bottom, no more than has been felt by his namesake.

Next: The J.D. has arrived!

Schedule