Martini went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a two-run home run during Thursday's win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Martini filled the DH role against right-hander Josiah Gray and delivered home runs off the aforementioned Gray in back-to-back innings. He was responsible for driving in five of Cincinnati's eight runs on the day. Although it's unlikely Martini etches out an everyday spot in the Reds lineup, he'll have the opportunity to force the team's hand with a hot start during TJ Friedl's (wrist) and Matt McLain's (shoulder) IL stints.

Martini will serve as the Reds' designated hitter and No. 8 batter in Thursday's season opener versus the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

At least against right-handed pitching, Martini looks like he'll get the first opportunity to fill the lineup spot that was opened up by TJ Friedl (wrist) and Matt McLain (shoulder) beginning the season the injured list and by Noelvi Martin serving an 80-game suspension to begin the season. Though the Reds' logjam in the infield and outfield is alleviated to some degree by those absent players, the lefty-hitting Martini will still likely need to find some early success against right-handed pitching to ensure he sticks in a strong-side platoon role. Over 361 career plate appearances versus righties, Martini has slashed .288/.380/.449 with eight home runs.

Martini was told he made Cincinnati's Opening Day roster, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds made a few moves Friday, including reassigning Mike Ford to minor-league camp. Ford, who was later released by the organization, was limited defensively to first base, while Martini can play outfield and first base. That versatility will help manager David Bell navigate the opening month of the season when three projected regulars will be unavailable due to injury or suspension. Martini celebrated the news Friday by smashing his fourth spring home run. The 33-year-old, who launched six homers in 72 at-bats for the Reds in 2023, will also serve as the lefty power bat off the bench.

Martini is projected to win a roster spot in the latest roster projection compiled by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

EDGE Analysis

Martini was left off the first two iterations of the roster projection, but two developments since appear to bolster his chances. Noelvi Marte's 80-game suspension and TJ Friedl's wrist injury have shaken up how the bench will be configured. Martini can play the outfield and first base while serving as left-handed power off the bench, particularly as a pinch hitter.

Martini started at first base and went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's spring game against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Not only was Martini's home run his first of the spring, it was the first hit of any kind in 15 at-bats. The left-handed hitter is redundant in an outfield that skews lefty, and there doesn't appear to be room for him, especially since Spencer Steer is expected to see most of his time in the outfield.

Martini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Martini led off the game with a homer on Miles Mikolas' third pitch. Martini had a couple of bursts in 2023, including going 6-for-12 with two homers over his last four games of the season. The 33-year-old ends the campaign with a .264/.329/.583 slash line, six homers, 16 RBI, 10 runs scored, three doubles and a triple over 79 plate appearances in his first major-league action since 2021.

Martini went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's win over St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

Martini kicked off the Reds' 19-run outburst with a three-run shot in the first inning. It was his fifth homer of the year and first since Sept. 5. Martini owns a .242/.315/.545 slash line with nine extra-base hits and 15 RBI through 27 games.

Martini is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Martini had started in each of the Reds' last four matchups with right-handed pitchers, but he'll hit the bench Monday against Twins righty Joe Ryan. With Martini out of the starting nine, the Reds will open up a spot in the lineup for Noelvi Marte, who will serve as Cincinnati's third baseman and No. 8 hitter.

Martini is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Martini will hit the bench for the fifth time in seven games, but all of his absences during that stretch have come against left-handed starting pitchers. He's otherwise started in each of the Reds' last three matchups with right-handers and seems to have a loose hold on a strong-side platoon role for the time being. Since his call-up from Triple-A Louisville on Aug. 22, Martini has been productive at the plate with an .820 OPS over 61 plate appearances.

Martini entered as a pinch hitter and hit a three-run home run in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Martini's three-run shot in the bottom of the eighth inning tied the game before Christian Encarnacion-Strand ended matters in the ninth. The home run was Martini's fourth in 46 plate appearances since the Reds added him to the roster in August. Prior to his stint with Cincinnati, the 33-year-old had just two homers in 333 PAs in the majors. Martini, who had an .874 OPS at Triple-A Louisville, was overlooked several times earlier this season as the club called up its younger prospects, but he may have had the biggest hit in the Reds' improbable season.