The Cleveland Guardians are inching closer to getting their record to .500.
After winning on Monday night, they are 49-50.
They have won six of their last eight and eight of their last 10, which has allowed them to get closer to a Wild Card spot in the American League.
The usual suspects have been behind the recent surge: Jose Ramirez, Gavin Williams, and the bullpen, just to name a few.
However, an overlooked hero is making huge contributions in the last few games, helping Cleveland’s offense gain a bit more consistency: Angel Martinez.
As always, the numbers don’t lie and tell us he has been crucial in the Guardians’ recent run.
“Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old (INF/OF) Angel Martinez with another XBH last night now has 12 XBH over his last 12 games. 16-50, 11R, 8(2B), 4HR, 11RBI, 1BB, 1SB, AVG .320, SLG .720, OPS 1.060,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old (INF/OF) Angel Martinez with another XBH last night now has 12 XBH over his last 12 games.
16-50 11R 8(2B) 4HR 11RBI 1BB 1SB
AVG .320
SLG .720
OPS 1.060#GuardsBall— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 22, 2025
Averaging one extra-base hit per game is incredibly impressive, even if it is just a 12-game sample.
Martinez, criticized in 2024 and 2025 for his lack of power and on-base skills, has been putting on a show in the last couple of weeks.
The power is coming around, as he is up to 18 doubles, a triple, and nine round-trippers on the season.
Unfortunately, the patience isn’t there yet and might never be: he is posting a well below-average 3.0 percent walk rate this year, and that has kept his wRC+ down at 88.
Still, as long as he is hitting for power, he will be an asset for the Guards.
He has alternated between the first and second slot of the lineup in the last two games and has been a big reason why the team has been able to score 18 runs in those two contests.
NEXT: Guardians' Streak Shows There Is Power Potential On The Roster
