CLEVELAND, Ohio — Sparks fly when there is an Angel in the outfield for the Guardians, and in his latest outing, Angel Martínez showed why he can be a big part of Cleveland’s success.
Martínez tied his career high with three hits Tuesday, including his first career triple in Cleveland’s 6-3 win against the Orioles at Camden Yards. In four games since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus last week, Martinez is batting .571 (8 for 14) with three extra-base hits and three RBI.
Martínez did not make the opening day roster out of training camp, but got to work right away for the Clippers with 11 hits and 17 total bases in his first eight games. His six doubles still rank tied for third in the International League despite not having played a minor league game in nearly a week.
Tuesday saw the 23-year-old Dominican native collect his first career triple and first stolen base of the season. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is not surprised by what Martínez has accomplished in just four games. He said when Martínez arrived with the club last season, he brought the same level of energy.
“He makes things happen,” Vogt said. “He’s running all over the field, putting balls in play. What I love about Angel is that he takes what the pitcher gives him and that’s tough to defend.”
Vogt said throughout the course of a season teams are always looking for sparks. Whether that turns out to be a player coming up from Triple-A or somebody returning from injury, a lot of times that renewed energy can really spark a team, as Martínez has done since Friday.
“Every time we’ve gotten Angel to us, he’s done that for us,” Vogt said.
Gold Glove left fielder Steven Kwan said for Martínez, who came up as an infielder through Cleveland’s player development system, to be able to adjust and command the outfield from center has been impressive.
“Center field has to be the captain out there and he does that very seamlessly,” Kwan said. “His arm’s showing off, he’s showing off his range and he’s hitting. He’s been huge for us.”
Martínez received treatment on his right wrist following Tuesday’s win after a line drive single by Ryan O’Hearn lingered in the lights and missed his glove on a diving attempt in right field. But after he was checked by trainers, Martínez remained in the game. Vogt said afterward that there was very little concern about the injury.
Vogt said Martínez will continue to get playing time in center and right field and may see some time on the infield as well.
“Angel’s definitely worked his backside off on his defense,” Vogt said. “We like having him and he’s brought a lot of energy, so we’ve just got to keep going every day, one day at a time.”
Kwan also recognized what Martínez has been able to contribute at the plate, as well.
“Especially as a switch hitter, you can’t really plan for him,” Kwan said. “He’s been a huge boost with us recently, I feel like, as the temperature has been really cold, the bats are a little cold, but he’s come in and injected something really good.”
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