Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez has outhit now-sidelined teammate Victor Martinez most of the year - which isn't saying much. It stands to reason he will provide better protection in the lineup for hitting machine Miguel Cabrera than did the ailing veteran.
"There's not many people that can protect Miggy," Brad Ausmus told MLive.com. "But I think J.D.'s our best option."
A better option, apparently, than Yoenis Cespedes.
"I like Cespy being able to clear the deck, so to speak," Ausmus added.
An 0-for-25 stretch with 16 strikeouts proved to be one setback for J.D. Martinez, but he has otherwise performed well at the plate. He now owns a 10-game hitting streak that has raised his average from .216 to .260.