ESPN: Goldschmidt and Martinez the best hitters by lineup slot

Although Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez have bounced around to different spots in the lineup, they are often found right in the meat of the order.

Lately, Goldschmidt typically occupies the clean-up spot, with Martinez following at No. 5.

Of course, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo will alter the lineup for pitching matchup purposes, but according to ESPN, Goldschmidt and Martinez belong in the fourth and fifth spot, respectively.

In fact, ESPN said they are the best in those spots in the whole National League.

Goldschmidt is another player to have moved lineup spots this season. Through the first three and a half months of the season and most of his career before then, Goldschmidt was the Diamondbacks’ No. 3 hitter. However, since July 19, he’s batted from the cleanup spot in every game he’s played, so it appears it might be a lasting change. Like Cruz, Goldschmidt has consistently been one of the greatest hitters year after year, and 2017 is no different. He’s putting up a .316/.426/.590 slash line to go with 30 home runs this year, numbers that might finally be enough to help the Diamondbacks get back to the playoffs.

Martinez was one of the biggest names to move at the deadline, and he has continued to mash the ball since being traded. His overall numbers are great, but he really shines against lefties, slashing .407/.507/.949 on the season. With Goldschmidt and Martinez batting fourth and fifth, the Diamondbacks have one of the scariest lineups in the majors, especially when you consider that they have David Peralta, A.J. Pollock and Jake Lamb hitting in front of those two guys.

ESPN’s research proved true on Sunday afternoon when the D-backs offense had a monster showing in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants.

Goldschmidt and Martinez were part of a back-to-back-to-back home run string, en route to their 11-0 win for the sweep.

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