Lakeland, Fla. — Did any Tigers player not named Miguel Cabrera provide more dramatic, iconic moments last season than J.D. Martinez?
How about the two-strike, game-tying home run he hit on May 15: Two outs in the eighth inning at Camden Yards off Orioles set-up man Darren O’Day? Remember that? The Orioles thought he’d struck out on the previous pitch but was granted a checked swing. Bam, he hit the next one out and Cabrera followed with the game-winning blast.
It stopped a massive skid — they Tigers had lost 11 of 12 — and probably saved manager Brad Ausmus’ job.