Detroit Tigers Hitter of the Week: Victor Martinez

Detroit Tigers players responded after an unsuccessful, west coast road trip to win three of four games, including a sweep of the Chicago White Sox. Victor Martinez was essential in the turnaround.

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez has been one of the team’s most consistent and potent hitters all season. Since collecting four hits in game against the Minnesota Twins in late April, Martinez’ batting average has stayed above .300. In fact, it has steadily improved to the point where the veteran is hitting a blistering .352.

Martinez currently leads the league in batting average and has also contributed 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, 13 doubles and nine home runs. He’s also continued his trend of posting low strikeout numbers—just 22 in 55 games.

The last week hasn’t been any different for the designated hitter. Martinez put up a .357 batting average, a .367 on-base percentage and a .643 slugging percentage last week. He also added four RBI, four runs scored, a pair of doubles and a home run.

In addition to having a stellar week, the former Boston hitter also continued his demolition of Chicago White Sox pitching. A .334 hitter in 647 career at-bats, Martinez collected seven hits in 12 at-bats over the weekend against the Sox. What’s more, Martinez also kept his hot streak against lefty Chris Sale going. 

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Sale is arguably the game’s best pitcher, but Victor has hit .500 against him in 36 at-bats. In those 36 at-bats, the 37-year-old also has three doubles, four home runs and nine RBI.

During the Tigers’ 10-3 blowout victory against the White Sox in the series opener, Martinez finished just a triple short of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with a single, double and a home run. He also plated two runs in the win, helping Jordan Zimmermann improve his record to 8-2.

Moving Forward

When most hitters start a season on a hot streak like Victor Martinez has, they generally don’t sustain it. However, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Martinez’ batting average hover around .350 all season. The designated hitter has finally put the disastrous 2015 season behind him and looks more like the hitter who mashed 32 home runs, led the league in OPS and finished second in MVP voting in 2014.

Already, in just 55 games, Martinez is already approaching his statistic totals from 2015. Here’s a comparison between V-Mart’s stats from last season and this season.

Next: What to Expect from Toronto

Victor Martinez’ 2015 Season: 120 games played, 108 hits, 64 RBI, 39 runs scored, 20 doubles and 11 home runs.

Victor Martinez’ 2016 Season (so far): 55 games played, 70 hits, 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, 13 doubles and nine home runs.