Angel Martinez of the Cleveland Guardians has been on a tear as of late. Martinez found his footing in the Major Leagues in 2025, appearing in 139 games for Cleveland. Martinez has appeared in 44 games so far this season and seems to have secured his place in MLB.
If there was any doubt about his place in professional baseball, the last week of games by the 5-foot-11 left fielder has silenced it. It started on Tuesday, with the Dominican Republic native belting a home run in both games of a two-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. The switch-hitter continued his strong play in the Guardians’ three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds.
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Cleveland Guardians center fielder Angel Martinez (1) David Dermer-Imagn Images
Martinez knocked in two more home runs over the weekend against the Reds, including a crucial go-ahead two-run homer on Saturday. On Monday, Major League Baseball announced that the 24-year-old was named the American League Player of the Week. First baseman Gavin Sheets of the San Diego Padres was honored with the award for the National League.
In six games during the period from May 11 to May 17, Martinez went 7-for-19 at the plate, hit four home runs, drove in seven RBIs and stole three bases. He raised his OPS by more than 100 points, from .721 at the start of the week to .822.
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That same day, Cleveland took to social media to celebrate the play of its homegrown talent. In a post on X, Cleveland posted a graphic showing Martinez, along with some of his statistical output from the week.
“The week of Angel continues,” the Guardians wrote. “😇 #GuardsBall”
With nine home runs on the season, Martinez is closing in on his home run total from last season (11) in only 44 games played.
Related: Padres React to Gavin Sheets Announcement Before Dodgers Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.