Tigers sign J.D. Martinez; Izturis Opts Out; Zeid Optioned

The Detroit Tigers have signed outfielder J.D. Martinez to a minor league deal.

Martinez, 26, was released by the Astros two days ago after failing to snatch a reserve spot in the Houston outfield this spring.

Part of the “three-headed” call-up in 2011 with Jose Altuve and Jimmy Paredes (optioned to AAA by the Royals today) Martinez achieved initial success but injuries and simply better alternatives from the organization’s point of view left Martinez without a roster spot and he was cut.

Sep 25, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with left fielder J.D. Martinez (14) after scoring during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

He finds a job soon after, but he will not be a rotational player for the Detroit Tigers, rather organizational depth. But solid play at AAA Toledo could put him back on track. Speaking for myself, I was and am a huge fan of J.D. Martinez the player but especially the person, going back to meeting him and even predicting his call-up in conversation back in 2011 when he was a Corpus Christi Hooks star.

Also…

Veteran infielder Cesar Izturis opted out of his contract with the Astros and was released on Monday. Izturis, 34, signed with the club on January 13 and had an uneventful Spring Training.

Upon being told he would not make the team’s Opening Day roster, Izturis opted out of his deal with the team and will be a free agent.

And…

The Astros also optioned relief pitcher Josh Zeid to minor league camp. Zeid was acquired in the Hunter Pence trade with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011. This move comes as a bit of a surprise as the 27-year old was expected to be part of the Opening Day roster for the 2014 Astros.

In 12 Spring Training appearances, Zeid allocated a 4.15 ERA with 12 strikeouts and had a save in one of two games finished. I guess @texasfury93 should drop him in the @AstrosCTH fantasy baseball league!