Friday on the Farm: J.P. Martinez’s good fortune comes at expense of Bubba Thompson

(AP photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

The latest minor-leaguer to get the call this season from the Rangers is J.P. Martinez, whose Triple A contract was purchased Friday afternoon. He deserved it, too, on the strength a terrific season at Round Rock.

He’s done a lot of things well, hitting for average and power, running like the wind and playing well defensively in the outfield. Martinez is the kind of player who can help a winning team. His defense and running give manager Bruce Bochy some late-game options.

At 27, Martinez also reinforces that players develop at their own pace. The Rangers signed him in the spring of 2018 after missing out in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes in December 2017, but he’s only now in the midst of the best back-to-back seasons of his career.

In adding Martinez to keep Travis Jankowski’s seat warm while on the paternity list, the Rangers have lifted him in the outfield pecking order. To that end, fellow Triple A outfielder Bubba Thompson was designated for assignment and might have played his last game for the Rangers.