For weeks, Angel Martinez has struggled mightily with the bat.
He is one of the players who deserved a decrease in playing time due to poor performance, especially considering the current offensive outlook of the Cleveland Guardians.
His season numbers are extremely disappointing.
However, even though the Guardians keep losing (they dropped 10 of their last 14 games), Martinez is trying to prove he deserves a longer look.
On Friday, he went yard for the fifth time this season, and is now hitting a robust .381 over his last six games.
“Cleveland Guardians 23-year-old switch-hitting (INF/OF) Angel Martinez hit his 5th HR of the season tonight vs the A’s, a 390-foot solo shot in the 8th inning. 99.6 mph off the bat. Last 6 games: 8-21 4R 2(2B) 1HR 2RBI .381 AVG,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old switch-hitting (INF/OF) Angel Martinez hit his 5th HR of the season tonight vs the A's a 390 foot solo shot in the 8th inning 99.6 mph off the bat.
Last 6 games:
8-21 4R 2(2B) 1HR 2RBI .381 AVG#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/IgeMLND6kQ
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 21, 2025
Martinez started the season in the minors but was quickly called up in early April and got off to a good start.
He struggled so much ever since, however, that even with the big stretch in the last six contests, he is hitting a weak .246/.265/.379 with a 78 wRC+ for the year.
Let’s just say Martinez’s recent surge was not only good for the Guardians but also necessary to keep his roster spot.
That doesn’t mean he is not in danger of being demoted anymore, but Cleveland should ride the wave while it lasts, and that means playing Martinez every day while he’s hot.
His sneaky power (five homers) and speed (four steals) have been assets to Cleveland, not to mention his versatility to cover both infield and outfield positions.
However, he will need to dramatically increase that on-base percentage to be playable even when slumping.
NEXT: Guardians Prospect Is Struggling With Plate Discipline In The Minors
