Martinez’s numbers in September & Playoffs
When we think about how good Martinez has been, most look to his time in Arizona in 2017. Few remember how good he was in Detroit beforehand. While that wasn’t a huge sample size, we could see how he absolutely destroyed the month of September. While Arizona won the Wild Card game to get to the Divisional Series, they were swept by the Dodgers in three games. Prior to that game, it was Martinez and friends leading the way. Martinez slashed .404/16/36/1 in 24 games during the month of September.
12 of those games were multi-hit games including five of those with three hits or more. That also included a streak he had two hits or more in five of six games. Martinez also tied the modern major league record for most home runs in both a game and in back to back games. Martinez hit a home run against the Rockies and proceeded to hit four homers against the Dodgers in his following appearance. In other words, this man could not be stopped.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
When we look at his numbers the prior season in September, it said something different. His slash of .271/3/14 left more to be desired. 2015’s numbers weren’t much better slashing .264/4/14/1. 2014 is more like 2017’s numbers at .354/6/17/1. Could the 2015 and 2016 numbers in September be outliers? I would love to say yes. One thing to take into consideration is the fact that in Arizona, the temperature is higher, allowing for balls to travel farther. The air is different. It’s no surprise to anyone that more balls will travel out of Arizona than in other parks in other cities.
It was around 84 degrees outside in Los Angeles the day Martinez went yard four times in four straight at-bats. Could the fact that the weather was warmer have played a large part in his production that evening? Possibly, but in looking back at the four-homer game, they weren’t barely hit over the fence. Martinez flat crushed each ball out of the park.
His playoff numbers aren’t as eye popping as he has only had the opportunity to play twice, once in 2014 and the latter, in 2017. His career numbers in the playoffs? Seven hits in 27 at bats with three home runs and six runs knocked in. Martinez is also striking out 37% of the time so far in his playoff career. While a .259 Batting Average isn’t going to scare people away, the idea of J.D. at the dish will certainly make pitchers err on the side of caution. The fact of the matter is, Martinez is one of the best hitters in the game who can hit it anywhere.