Detroit — Seriously. You cannot script this.
J.D. Martinez had not taken a swing in a big-league game since June 16. He was just activated Wednesday and wasn’t supposed to play.
But he was summoned Wednesday to pinch-hit against White Sox ace Chris Sale to lead off the eighth inning of a 1-1 game. He got a standing ovation as he walked to the plate.
The first pitch he saw was a 93 mph fastball from Sale. Martinez bashed it 434 feet into the shrubbery in center field.
Incredible. The fans were chanting “J.D., J.