Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Shares Plan for JD Martinez

Dodgers manager shares how he plans to implement the veteran hitter in LA's lineup.

As Dodgers baseball returns next week, manager Dave Roberts is preparing for the 2023 season. Roberts and his coaching staff have a plan in mind for how they want to utilize JD Martinez as their designated hitter. 

Dave Roberts said his plan is to have JD Martinez in the #Dodgers lineup every day as the DH "versus right, versus left."

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 16, 2023

The Dodgers acquired Martinez on a one-year, $10 million deal in December. After the loss of Justin Turner, the three-time Silver Slugger recipient is hoping to step up in his place.

Martinez is coming off a season where he hit .274/.341/.448 with 43 doubles, 16 home runs, and 62 RBI in 139 games for the Boston Red Sox. All 139 of his starts last season came as a designated hitter, which is a position the Dodgers believe will produce the most success for both Martinez and the overall team. 

The veteran has all the experience under his belt as a five-time All-Star.

Over Martinez’s 12-year MLB career, the designated hitter has hit .288 with 282 home runs and 899 RBI. Martinez certainly brings value to Los Angeles with his powerful hitting skills. Since the start of the 2014 season, Martinez ranks sixth in the majors with 258 home runs.  Such dominance may be credited to the fact that Martinez began training with Robert Van Scoyoc — who is now the Dodgers’ hitting coach — between 2013 and 2014. 

As he reunites with Van Scoyoc and his 2018 championship teammate, Mookie Betts, Martinez steps into a new clubhouse where he is sure to thrive and produce similar championship-winning results.