Red Sox Nation Will Have to Wait to Face Former Teammate

Slugger JD Martinez to Join Rival Team for Series

Former Silver Slugger is third baseman for the Oakland Athletics

While Red Sox Nation eagerly anticipated the Boston Red Sox June 20th matchup with their cross-state rivals, the Oakland Athletics, they will have to wait another day to face their former teammate, designated hitter J.D. Martinez.

Martinez had spent the past five seasons in a Boston uniform before being traded to the Padres last season. He departed San Diego this offseason, signing a one-year deal with the Athletics.

While the deal is a low-risk, high-reward move for the A's, it could pay dividends for Martinez. The 35-year-old is coming off a down year by his standards, hitting just .274 with 16 home runs and 62 RBIs. However, he is still a dangerous hitter with a career .293 batting average and 283 home runs.

The Red Sox are scheduled to face the Athletics in a three-game series, from June 20th through June 22nd. However, barring a trade, Martinez will not be in the Athletics' lineup until the series finale on Tuesday.

According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, it's going to be strange seeing Martinez in another uniform.

"He's a great player and a great teammate," Cora said. "We're going to miss him, but we wish him all the best."

Martinez is excited to face his former team but said it will be a little weird.

"It's going to be strange, but it's also going to be fun," Martinez said. "I'm looking forward to seeing my old teammates and competing against them."