Dodgers News: Dave Roberts ‘Hopeful and Confident’ JD Martinez Will Remain Healthy
One of the biggest contributors to the Dodgers success this season has been veteran slugger J.D. Martinez. Martinez has been a steal based on the $10 million contract he signed with the team over the offseason.
While he has dealt with some injuries of late, his value in helping LA stay afloat earlier in the year can’t be overstated. On the year, he is hitting .256 with 25 home runs and 78 runs batted in over 92 games played.
He hasn’t seen the field since August 19, but Martinez is expected to be in the Dodgers lineup as soon as Friday when they open a series against the Washington Nationals. The hope is that he can remain healthy as the year goes on, and make a difference in the postseason.
Manager Dave Roberts is confident that Martinez can get back to where he was and stay there.
“I think that we’re all pretty confident. Hopeful and confident, I guess,” Roberts said. “But I think where we’re at right now – if he’s not, it’s where we’re at. I think he knows that. We’ve done everything we can do. He’s got to be out there and post for us as we finish out the season.”
Per The OC Register
As they get closer to the postseason, his veteran presence will mean more to this ballclub. He has seen success in the playoffs, as LA can attest to that. Martinez was a key contributor to the Boston Red Sox when they took down the Dodgers in the 2018 World Series. Now the Dodgers are counting on his postseason bat for themselves this time around.
If Martinez can remain in the lineup, it would do wonders for everyone else involved. LA needs his power bat in the middle of their lineup. He brings a different element to this team when he plays, and they have missed that lately.
Hopefully, he can make his claim as a Dodger legend this postseason. He has the skillset to do so, now he just needs to stay on the field.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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