After a somewhat uneven start to his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, J.D. Martinez has re-established his status as one of the most productive hitters in all of baseball.
The 35-year-old has a 15-game hitting streak that dates back to May 15 and includes all 10 of the Dodgers’ matchups against the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays on their longest road trip of the year.
Though the team went just 4-6 in those games, Martinez hit .364/.370/.795 with four doubles, five home runs, 14 RBI and nine runs scored during that span.
He continued his hot hitting in the Dodgers’ series opener against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium, going 1-for-4 with a three-run homer that broke the game open.
“It feels good. It feels like I’m in a good rhythm right now at the plate,” Martinez said this week. “I’m just happy that we’re winning. Our lineup, I keep talking about it, it’s a potent lineup up and down. Having guys on base all the time really helps.”
Martinez has been particularly productive since returning from the 10-day injured list, but there aren’t necessarily any clear indicators he’s on a tear.
“I kind of felt kind of bad when I came off of it, honestly, swing-wise,” Martinez said. “But just grinded with Rob (Van Scoyoc) and we were able to find something.”
The Dodgers signed Martinez to a one-year contract this past offseason after spending the last five years with the Boston Red Sox. He made multiple adjustments to his swing and appears to finally be settling in with his new team.
Martinez is batting .278/.320/.611 with 14 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 39 RBI. His slugging percentage is second to only the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge.
J.D. Martinez finding success despite reverse splits
Martinez has historically crushed left-handed pitching, but he is hitting just .190/.308/.405 with two home runs in 49 plate appearances against southpaws this season.
On the flip side, Martinez has fared well against right-handed pitching, batting .308/.325/.683 with 10 home runs and 34 RBI in 123 plate appearances.
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