Julio Pablo Martinez has been tearing up the Dominican Summer League in his first action since signing with the Texas Rangers in April.
The Cuban center fielder entered Wednesday with a .409/.606/.682 slash line, which shouldn't be unexpected from a 22-year-old who has extensive experience compared to those he's playing against.
He's ready for his next challenge, but it isn't the challenge many expected he would be receiving upon his arrival to the U.S.
Assistant general manager Mike Daly said that Martinez will join the short-season A affiliate Spokane on Friday for the season opener in the Northwest League, not Low A Hickory, High A Down East or Double A Frisco as many had speculated.