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Detroit Tigers: April Winners and Losers

By Ben Rosener

Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) at bat against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Victor Martinez

Victor Martinez has had a stellar career, with perhaps his best season coming in 2014. The designated hitter led the American League in on-base percentage, OPS and intentional walks, while also hitting .335. Martinez also drove in 103 runs, crushed a career-high 32 home runs and would have won the MVP award had it not been for some guy named Mike Trout.

Then 2015 happened, and the slugger struggled through an injury-riddled campaign in which he hit just .245 with 11 home runs and 64 RBI over the course of 120 games.

Now, with the 2016 season kicking into full swing, Martinez seems to have put 2015 well behind him.

In 22 games, the 37-year-old is hitting a robust .319 with 17 RBI. He’s also continued his habit of posting a low strikeout rate with just seven fans in 22 games. It also seems as if the man known as “V-Mart” has found his power stroke again.

Also in those 22 games, Martinez already has five home runs—just six fewer than his total output from a year ago.

With the offense thriving again, look for Victor Martinez to produce on a similar level to what he did in 2014 as opposed to 2015.

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