Michael Martínez

Washington Nationals

Martínez began in the Washington Nationals organization, commencing his professional career in 2006. That year, he played for the Vermont Lake Monsters, Savannah Sand Gnats and Potomac Nationals, hitting a combined .265 with 11 stolen bases in 82 games. In 2007, he played for the Hagerstown Suns and hit .250 with 13 stolen bases in 116 games. He played for the Potomac Nationals and Harrisburg Senators in 2009, posting a .259 batting average with 10 steals. In 2010, he played for the Senators and Syracuse Chiefs, hitting a combined .272 with 11 home runs and 23 stolen bases.

Philadelphia Phillies

He was selected by the Phillies from the Nationals in 2011 as a Rule 5 Draft pick. He made the Phillies' Opening Day roster as a reserve player. He made his major league debut on April 3 against the Houston Astros and recorded his first major league hit and RBI. He hit his first major league career home run on July 17 against the New York Mets. He spent the season acting as a utility infielder and outfielder, recording a .196 batting average with 3 home runs and 24 RBI in 89 games. Due to his remaining on the club's roster for the entire regular season, he remained in the organization thereafter per Rule 5 regulations.

Martínez opened the 2012 year on the Disabled List due to a broken foot suffered during Spring Training. He joined the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phillies' AAA affiliate, in early June. After playing only one game with Lehigh Valley, Martínez returned to the Phillies' 25-man roster following an injury to second baseman Freddy Galvis. On June 27, Martinez was optioned to AAA to make room for Chase Utley. Martinez was called up again when Mike Fontenot was designated for assignment.

Martinez began 2013 in Triple-A, but his contract was purchased on May 24 because Chase Utley was placed on the 15-day DL. He was designated for assignment on June 22, and outrighted off the roster on October 3. He elected free agency on October 8. In 29 games for the Phillies in 2013, he hit .175 with 3 RBI. News broke that the Phillies re-signed him on October 18, but a Phillies official declared the signing was false and it is not listed on the Phillies' official list of transactions.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On December 18, 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Martinez to a minor league deal. His contract was selected from the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on June 12, and he was optioned back to the AAA Indianapolis Indians on August 19. He was designated for assignment on September 2, 2014, when the contract of Chase d'Arnaud was selected and was added to the 40-man roster. Martinez elected free agency in October 2014.

Cleveland Indians

Martínez signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians on February 11, 2015. On April 9, 2015 he was assigned to AAA Columbus Clippers. The Indians purchased his contract from Columbus on September 4, 2015 and added him to the major-league roster. On July 2, 2016, Martínez was designated for assignment to make room on the 25-man roster for Shawn Morimando after a 19-inning game the day before that exhausted the entire bullpen. He hit .283 in 60 at-bats for the Indians.

Boston Red Sox

On July 8, 2016, Martinez was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash.

Second stint with Indians

After being designated for assignment by the Red Sox on August 2, 2016, Martínez was claimed by the Indians off waivers on August 4. Martinez hit into the final out in the Indians' Game 7 loss in the World Series to the Chicago Cubs. On November 23, 2016, he was outrighted to Triple-A. He signed a new minor league contract with the Indians organization on December 1.

Personal life

Martinez went to San Lorenzo High School and did not attend college. He was never drafted and originally wore number 19 when debuting with the Phillies in 2011.