LAKELAND, Fla. -- Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez does not want a replay of his defensive struggles from 2016.
Martinez, who was an American League Gold Glove Award finalist in 2015, ranked last among right fielders with a minus-22 rating in defensive runs saved, according to Baseball Reference. He recorded six errors in 118 games last season. His .971 fielding percentage was the lowest of his six-year career.
"I definitely paid more attention to defense this offseason," Martinez told The Detroit News on Friday. "I worked a lot harder on it. I spent more time on it than in the past."
Manager Brad Ausmus didn't seem to be worried about Martinez's defense or work ethic.
"I think he will be fine this year," Ausmus said. "I'm not worried about him at all. He takes pride in his defense, and I think you will see a return to form."
Around the camp
• Tigers reliever Francisco Rodriguez had a fairly light start to his spring training on Friday when he took part in defensive drills throwing to first base. However, he was a spectator later in the morning and watched some of his teammates like Daniel Norris, Victor Alcantara and Daniel Stumpf participate in bullpen sessions.
• Third baseman Jose Cabrera had not checked into camp by early afternoon Friday. Cabrera and designated hitter Victor Martinez were the most notable players absent.
• Most of the Tigers' outfielders were in. Anthony Gose and Justin Upton arrived on Friday. JaCoby Jones, Michael Mahtook, Alex Presley and Tyler Collins were already in camp and taking batting practice after the pitcher and catcher workouts.
• Former Tigers shortstop and manager Alan Trammell threw batting practice to some of the catchers.