Detroit's Other Martinez


J.D. Martinez is still "the other Martinez" on the Tigers. On a club that features such heavy hitters as Miguel Cabrera, Torii Hunter, Ian Kinsler and, yes, Victor Martinez, J.D. Martinez delivered Tuesday night's biggest hit -- and for a lineup that's struggled over the last month, one of the biggest of the year. Facing closer Cody Allen with two men on with the Tigers trailing 2 - 1 in the top of the 9th, Martinez rocked a game-changing three-run homer that brought Detroit from behind for a 4 - 2 victory.

 J.D. Martinez has been one of the pleasant surprises of the season. Cut by the last-place Astros in March, he joined the Tigers and was expected to be a bench player. But in this season where so many "proven hitters" disappointed, J.D. simply delivered and has become a regular member of the Detroit outfield.

 A Miami native, Martinez also owns a piece of his hometown's baseball history. In April 2012 while still with Houston, he hit the first regular season home run ever at Marlins Park. There just weren't enough other big moments to keep him in an Astros uniform. But there have been plenty for J.D. in Detroit.
These images are from the Tigers visit to Yankee Stadium in August.

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