Detroit Tigers: Four Players Who’ve Carried Team So Far

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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 /

Victor Martinez

Victor Martinez showed the world just how devastating of a hitter he can still be in 2014 when he posted a stellar .335 batting average and a league-leading .409 on-base percentage to go along with 32 home runs, 103 RBI and a second place finish in the MVP voting.

However, things took a turn for the worse in 2015 for Martinez. Limited by injuries, the veteran’s numbers took a significant hit. His batting average dropped all the way .245, while his on-base percentage plummeted to .301. The designated hitter only hit 11 home runs and drove in 64 runs.

Heading into this season, Martinez wasn’t a lock to rebound. However, he’s done just that. The 37-year-old has been one of the team’s best hitters so far, posting a stellar .311 batting average.

V-Mart’s .311 clip would’ve led the team if it weren’t for the torrid start Nick Castellanos is off to. Additionally, Martinez has seemingly regained the power stroke that helped him achieve so much success in 2014.

In 113 plate appearances, the former Boston slugger has five home runs and a team-leading 10 doubles. All told, he’s driven in 18 runs—which is also second on the team to Castellanos.

To top it all off, Martinez has continued his trend of limiting strikeouts and making contact. In 30 games, he has gone down on strikes just 11 times, which is the fewest among Detroit regulars.

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