Detroit Tigers: Three Things to Know for the Houston Series

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Apr 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

J.D. Matches Up With His Former Employers

Suffice to say, J.D. Martinez knows a little bit about the Houston Astros. The slugger was drafted in the 20^th round of the 2009 draft by Houston. He advanced all the way through the minor league system and made his debut for the Astros in 2011.

During that campaign he hit .274 with 13 doubles, six home runs and 35 RBI in 53 games. Following that season, J.D. mashed 14 doubles, 11 home runs and drove in 55 runs during 113 games in 2012. His batting average that year was .241.

In his last season with the Astros, the current Tiger hit .250 with 17 doubles, seven home runs and 36 RBI. The team would let him go before the start of the 2014 season.

For his time in Houston, Martinez posted a -1.5 WAR.

The rest, as they say, is history. Since joining Detroit in 2014, J.D. has hit 66 doubles, an astounding 62 home runs and driven in 183 runs. His WAR is a sparkling 9.6 since the 2014 season started.

Not only has Martinez thrived for the Tigers, but he’s also made the Astros pay for letting him go. In 12 games against his former employers, he is hitting .306 with 15 hits, four runs scored, two doubles, a home run and seven RBI.

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