Jul 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates with left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Designated hitter
Red Sox – David Ortiz
.255/.346/.503 25 HR 68 RBI
Former Red Sox – Victor Martinez
.244/.306/.378 9 HR 48 RBI
Martinez arrived in Boston from the Cleveland Indians and immediately made a production impact. That never dissipated in Boston, where in a season and a half Martinez slashed an impressive .313/.368/.497 with 28 home runs and 120 RBI. Martinez also made the All-Star team in 2010 and became a free agent after the season ended.
In Detroit Martinez has shifted to DH and a bit of first base tossed in. In 2014 Martinez was an All-Star, finished second on the MVP ballot and led the league in OPS. This season has not been as productive as injuries have mitigated his performance.
For Ortiz 2015 has seen a continual slippage of average and power until something kicked in and Papi is on a tear to another 30 home runs. Ortiz appeared dead in any comparison back in June. Not now.
EDGE – Ortiz
Sources: Baseball-reference/Fangraphs (through 8/13)
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