V-Mart rolled one through the hole between first and second in the opening inning, and he beat the throw for an infield single before being removed from the game to an ovation from teammates, Royals and attendees. Martinez, 39, has experienced a precipitous power decline in later seasons, leaving the yard just nine times in 2018, but he'll finish a steady and often elite 16-year career with a .295 average, 2,153 hits, 246 homers and 1,178 RBI in 1,972 games.

The Tigers will have seven games remaining after Saturday, but Martinez wants his final at-bats to come in Detroit. With just two games remaining in his 16-year-career, the 39-year-old has posted a career .295/.360/.455 slash line with 246 homers and 2,151 hits.

Martinez will receive a breather after going 1-for-7 with a walk during the first two games of this series. In his place, Nick Castellanos will serve as the DH while Mikie Mahtook gets a start in the outfield.

Martinez has just two weeks left in his major-league career after announcing his retirement Saturday. Nicholas Castellanos will be the Tigers' designated hitter Sunday, with Mikie Mahtook starting in right field.