The Cleveland Guardians started off Wednesday with the best record in the American League after another win on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Angel Martinez hit his first home run of his young MLB career against the Detroit Tigers, and it proved to be very important as the Guards won by just one run.
Martinez has been a breath of fresh air for the Guardians lineup, as manager Stephen Vogt has grown comfortably hitting him near the top of it.
Steven Kwan is firmly entrenched as the leadoff hitter, and for good reason.
However, Martinez has been hitting second and looks extremely comfortable there.
He is capable of playing multiple positions around the infield and the outfield: in the last four games, he has appeared at second base, third base, left field, center field, right field, and shortstop.
He is rapidly earning an increased role and, according to prospects specialist and dynasty writer Chris Clegg, an everyday role could be his in the near future.
He is already, essentially, playing everyday as a super-utility type but at some point, Cleveland might just make it official.
“Angel Martinez first career HR. He’s off to a smoking start to his MLB career. Since coming back up on July 4, In 23 PA: 7 hits/2 2B/1 HR 8 BB/1 K. Looks like he might earn an everyday role,” Clegg wrote.
Angel Martinez first career HR. He’s off to a smoking start to his MLB career. Since coming back up on July 4, In 23 PA:
7 hits/2 2B/1 HR
8 BB/1 K
Looks like he might earn an everyday role.pic.twitter.com/FOhpj3m2yO— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) July 9, 2024
Martinez is hitting a strong .346/.500/.538 with a homer, five runs and an RBI.
The most impressive part of his statistical profile, however, is his plate discipline.
Many prospects struggle with ball-strike recognition upon being called up.
Not Martinez, though.
He has worked eight walks to date, with just two (!) strikeouts.
Talk about a keen eye at the plate.
Due to his versatility and excellent plate skills, the Guardians appear to have a new hitter to follow Kwan in the lineup.
NEXT: Analyst Details How Guardians Will Make History With Upcoming Draft Selection
