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Detroit Tigers: Projecting 2017 Opening Day Lineup

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Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) is introduced before the game on Opening Day against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) is introduced before the game on Opening Day against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Sep 4, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Field: J.D. Martinez
Age: 29
2016 Stat of Note: .228 ISO

J.D. Martinez has had some excellent seasons with the Detroit Tigers since joining the organization in 2014.

The 2016 campaign was no different for Martinez, who hit .307 with a .908 OPS in 120 games.

Despite seeing his season shortened by injury, the outfielder slugged .535 while also posting a .228 ISO and a 142 wRC+.

Martinez also added 141 hits, 69 runs scored, 68 RBI, 22 home runs and a pair of triples in 460 at-bats.

Even with fewer games played, the veteran still managed to set a new career high with 35 doubles.

Likely to hit in the middle of an order that also includes Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Justin Upton and Nick Castellanos, expect J.D. Martinez to turn in another standout offensive campaign.

That campaign should get off to a promising start as the Tigers could face Jose Quintana and James Shields in Chicago.

Martinez is a .321 lifetime hitter against Quintana.

The outfielder has been even more impressive against James Shields, with a .417 batting average against the former Padre.

Overall, Martinez hit .469 with a .542 on-base percentage, an .867 slugging percentage and a 1.400 OPS against the White Sox last season.

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