J.D. Martinez
From BR Bullpen
Julio Daniel Martinez
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 200 lb.
- School Nova Southeastern University
- Debut July 30, 2011
[edit] Biographical Information
Outfielder J.D. Martinez was selected by the Houston Astros in the 20th round of the 2009 amateur draft. He made his pro debut that summer and hit .342 with 12 home runs in 72 games between the Greeneville Astros and the Tri-City ValleyCats. He hit .314 with 18 homers between the Lexington Legends and the Corpus Christi Hooks in 2010 and was named South Atlantic League MVP.
He began 2011 back with the Hooks and hit .338 with 13 home runs through his first 88 games. Recalled by the Astros that summer after they traded All-Star right fielder Hunter Pence at the trading deadline, he made his debut as a pinch hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 30th and collected a double and an RBI. He hit his first career home run on August 3rd off Dontrelle Willis of the Cincinnati Reds and added a two-run double in the 5-4 win as he began to make his presence felt in the Astros' line-up.
On April 13, 2012, the Miami, FL native became the first player to homer at the Miami Marlins' new ballpark, Marlins Park; he hit an 8th-inning two-run shot off Edward Mujica.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2010 MVP South Atlantic League Lexington Legends
