Twins rookie Austin Martin is preparing for more playing time

Given the team's recent struggles at the top, the Twins are looking for production wherever they can get it. That means rookie utility man Austin Martin better be prepared for some more playing time.

While the Twins struggled to contain Dodgers pitching ace Tyler Glasnow in a 6-3 loss to Los Angeles at Target Field on Tuesday night, Martin proved to be the only player who had any success. He recorded the first hit of his major league career when a line drive landed in the outfield, triggering a hustle double. He then pulled a rocket over the line on his next shot and scored another double.

When asked about Glasnow's dominance after he recorded 14 strikeouts while throwing just 88 pitches, catcher Ryan Jeffers summed it up perfectly in the Twins' clubhouse.

“He was better than all of us today,” Jeffers said. “Except Austin.”

Not bad considering Martin made his major league debut just a few weeks ago. What worked so well?

“It was pretty easy,” Martin said. “Just see the ball, hit the ball.”

That has always been his style. He prefers to simplify things in the batter's box as much as possible. This has served him well over the years.

“He has a different approach than most of our hitters here,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We don’t have as many people taking his more contact approach. He usually sees the ball very low before making any decisions. He generally doesn’t try to hit the ball that hard.”

That’s exactly what the Twins are looking for right now.

“Anyone that goes out and hits well, hits balls hard and plays the game the right way,” Baldelli said. “Anybody that wants to do that now will probably earn some at-bats and get an opportunity to go out and play.”

This bodes well for Martin as he tries to find his place in the team.

“I just try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way,” he said. “Just enjoy my time here and compete as best I can.”

As for the first win of his major league career, Martin tried to downplay it, saying he knew it was only a matter of time.

“It was cool to get it out of the way,” he said. “I’m glad my dad could be here and see it live.”

He stopped.

“It was bittersweet,” Martin said. “I’d rather go 0 for 4 with four strikeouts and we win the game.”