Martinez becomes first Bulldog in major leagues

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LEBANON, Tenn. - Former Cumberland University catcher Luis Martinez became the first Bulldog player ever to reach the major leagues when he called up late Thursday night by the San Diego Padres. Martinez is expected to be in uniform this evening when the Padres take on Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.

The 6-foot, 210-pound backstop was batting .313 in 38 contests for Triple-A Tucson with 12 doubles, 18 RBIs and 17 runs scored. The Miami, Fla., native has spent his entire professional career in the Padres organization after being selected in the 12th round in 2007 by the club.

Martinez has made steady progress with the organization, playing in Eugene, Ore. (Rookie), and Fort Wayne, Ind. (Single-A), in 2007; Fort Wayne (Single-A) in 2008; Lake Elsinore, Calif. (Single-A), and Portland, Ore. (Triple-A), in 2009; San Antonio, Texas (Double-A), in 2010; and this year in Tucson, Ariz. (Triple-A).

Padres starting catcher Nick Hundley decided to undergo elbow surgery and will be sidelined three-to-six weeks, opening a roster spot for Martinez.