J.D. Martinez. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- New Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez homered 45 times in 119 games last year for the Tigers and Diamondbacks, but the outfielder's role will be a little different in Boston--because he signed on knowing he'd be the team's primary designated hitter.
Sure, Martinez is an option in the outfield if Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Junior, or Andrew Benintendi need a day off or, heaven forbid, get hurt, but Martinez will usually DH.
That's something he's only done 38 times in 712 career regular season games.
J.D. Martinez Cashes In With Red Sox 4 Years After Release In Houston
In those outings, he's batted .250 with a .756 O-P-S, 6 home runs, and 14 R-B-I in 151 plate appearances.
Not so good.
"To me it's baseball, really," he said. "I'm just kind of thinking about taking it how I take it every game, how I've been playing this game since I was a kid, and continue to do the same routine I've been doing, whether it's DHing or playing the outfield."
Let's hope he gets comfortable with the idea quickly.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports