Dodgers News: Broadcaster Tim Neverett is Excited to See What JD Martinez Can Do
Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez has struggled early in spring training. Through 11 games, Martinez is hitting just .172 (five-for-29) with zero extra base hits and just one RBI. He's also struck out nine times and walked just twice.
While Martinez is taking some time to figure his swing out, the Dodgers didn't bring him in this offseason to hit in spring training. The Dodgers signed the longtime MLB veteran to a one-year, $10 million to hit during the regular and postseason, and unless he carries these numbers into June, there's nothing to worry about.
There is a good way of telling when Martinez is playing well, and Dodgers broadcaster Tim Neverett knows exactly when that is. He spoke to Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation in an exclusive interview, and said what he's excited to see out of Martinez this season. You can watch the full interview here:
"Here's what I like about J.D.," Neverett said, "and this will be your tell when he's going well. When he drives the ball to right center field, he's got his swing on. He likes to, what he calls, 'compress his swing' so it's got to be kind of a tight swing. He can be a real value driving in runs. He's going to have a slugging percentage especially against lefties — he crushes lefties and I think he's going to be a great addition. ... If he's starting to hit those gap doubles to right center, he's seeing the ball well."
Martinez loves going the other way, and using the opposite field to drive in runs. Over the last two seasons, Martinez is hitting .280 with 44 home runs, 85 doubles and 161 RBIs.
He's also been named in All-Star in both 2021 and 2022, to go along with his selections in 2015, 2018 and 2019.
Outside of his success in the regular season, Martinez brings a ton of postseason experience, and has a career .987 OPS in 30 postseason games. He's a one-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox (against the Dodgers) in 2018, and will be looking to help LA get there this season.
So definitely don't worry about Martinez anytime soon. And once he starts hitting doubles to right center field, you'll know he's completely back and ready to go for the 2023 season.
