J.D. Martinez collects 1,500th career hit
Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez achieved a milestone on Friday night. The right-handed slugger collected his 1,500th career hit in the 3-2 loss to the Orioles.
The 35-year-old hit a single to right centerfield in the top of the second inning off Orioles righty Austin Voth.
Martinez hasn’t had his typical offensive season he’s accustomed this year. The Miami native is hitting .274 with 125 hits, 37 doubles, 11 homers, 51 RBIs, 118 wRC+, .428 slugging percentage, .771 OPS.
He’s completely looked lost in the power department but Martinez thinks he knows why it’s gone.
“I’m not using my hips as I once was,” Martinez said to MassLive. “And it’s not that they don’t work.”
“I’m able to still put some barrels on balls, produce. But getting that extra gear behind it hasn’t been there for me. It’s clear as day to me. I can see it as clear as I can see your shirt. But fixing it is a grind. But I know this offseason, if not this next month (it can be fixed),” added Martinez.
At the conclusion of the season, Martinez will become a free agent. It’s expected that he will wind up in a new city this winter. The Red Sox could put a qualifying offer on the veteran hitter.
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Image courtesy of Julio Cortez