The Tigers might be mired in a pretty bad slump, losing 20 of their last 29 games through Wednesday, but amid the tough times has been the surprising play of outfielder J.D. Martinez. The 26-year-old outfielder is batting .355 with a .694 slugging percentage, 1.072 OPS, five home runs, six doubles and 15 RBI in his last 19 games.
Martinez's hot streak hasn't slipped past manager Brad Ausmus, who said "we have to" keep Martinez in the lineup because "he's swinging the bat well." (per MLive.com). That statement right there is really encouraging for Fantasy owners.
Ausmus doesn't have an easy job because he has four outfielders -- Martinez, Rajai Davis, Austin Jackson and Torii Hunter -- for three spots. Not to forget Andy Dirks (back) might be back next month. But even Ausmus is sensing he's probably going to have to keep Martinez in the lineup on a regular basis while his numbers are this good.
I know Martinez failed in Houston and didn't get off to a great start after his promotion from the minors this season. But prior to his callup, he was tearing the cover off the ball, like he is doing now. He hit .308 with an .846 slugging percentage, 1.212 OPS, 10 home runs and 22 RBI in 17 games for Triple-A Toledo.
Ausmus even said Martinez profiles as a No. 5 hitter because of his power. If he keeps hitting behind Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, then he's going to get pitches to hit and this might be more than a hot streak. We just have to hope Ausmus sticks to his word and finds regular playing time for Martinez.