Dodgers News: JD Martinez Reveals How Robert Van Scoyoc Helped Turn Around His Swing This Year
Many wondered if designated hitter J.D. Martinez lost a step after a poor second half ended his 2022 season.
The veteran signed a one-year, prove-it contract with LA this offseason and one connection from his past paid that deal off in spades in his resurgent 2023.
Martinez’s final homestand of the season showed just how ready he is for the postseason later this weekend.
The slugger clubbed five home runs against his former team in Detroit and division rival San Francisco to earn the NL Player of the Week award to end September.
Martinez turned into a superstar under current Dodger hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc back in Detroit, and the reunion could not have worked out better for either party this season. Martinez spoke about the connection and what Van Scoyoc has done for him this season on MLB Network.
“He understands my personality,” Martinez said. “He knows what makes me click. He knows what buttons to push for me, and he knows my swing better than anybody else. So he was able to see some stuff that he hadn’t been able to see just being live in person, and really just unlocked me and got me back to the player I felt like I’ve been missing out on the last couple of years.”
via MLB Network
The 36-year-old masher reached the 30 home run threshold for the first time since 2019 and joined three Dodger teammates in the 100-RBI club.
What’s even more impressive is that Martinez’s progress has been hampered by both groin and hamstring injuries throughout the second half.
It’s almost certain that the Dodgers’ DH could have reached at least the 40 homer mark with 49 more healthy games under his belt.
He’ll just have to settle for his best year since 2019 and has a chance to replicate his 2018 heroics when he won it all at Dodger Stadium in the postseason with the Red Sox.
This time around Martinez will play for the good guys in Dodger blue and his revitalized bat will be crucial for LA’s championship quest starting.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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