Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Loves the Presence JD Martinez Adds to LA Lineup
As the regular season nears its end and the Dodgers are trending toward another 100 win season, it feels like some underestimate the importance of slugger J.D. Martinez to this potent lineup. While he was on the IL, the Dodger offense struggled. Now, Martinez shows his teammates how to be productive in the postseason.
Manager Dave Roberts appreciates his professional DH.
“I just think that the injury it seems like it’s behind us. And just the at-bat quality, he’s staying in the strike zone and it’s just amazing that how much time he’s missed that he’s still tracking it driving in a hundred runs this year and, you know, he just has a good knack for driving in runs. Having him in the middle of lineup, it’s just a big presence.”
Via SportsNet LA
Martinez studies the art of hitting and encourages Mookie Betts to do better. During spring training after Martinez signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers after having a disappointing season with the Boston Red Sox, Martinez told Betts that he was going to win the National League MVP. If Ronald Acuña, Jr., was not having a history-making season, Betts would be undoubtedly the second player in MLB history to earn the MVP award in both leagues.
While Martinez has accomplished many incredible offensive feats in the game, he still studies hitting and spends much time in the batting cage trying to improve his swing.
After missing forty games, Martinez still has an impressive 31 home runs, third most on the team. Soon, he will have 100 RBI. However, he understands what the Dodgers need to win. He wants a world championship more than accomplishing his own offensive statistics.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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