Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez will be sticking around with the organization for a few more seasons. The two sides have agreed on a five-year, $18 million extension on Friday. The deal also includes two player options for $7 and $9 million for 2030 and 2031. This deal will lock up Martinez through his pre-arbitration and arbitration years. The expectation is that Martinez is going to be the primary closer in Arizona. He registered a 2.48 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 91/36 K/BB ratio across 64 appearances with the D-Backs last season. Fantasy managers can safely assume that Martinez should be getting plenty of save chances in Arizona to start the season.
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez collected his sixth save of the season on Sunday, closing out the Boston Red Sox in a 7-5 victory. Martinez allowed a solo homer to Tyler O'Neill but didn't allow another baserunner and came away with the save. It appears that the 23-year-old is in control of the D-Backs closer role for now, as he has six saves since August 5 and no one else on the team has one. He is a must-roster player in any league where saves count and should be able to hold onto the job as long as he limits walks.
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez picked up his first save of the season in a 7-6 extra-inning win against the Cleveland Guardians. After the recent struggles of relief pitcher Paul Sewald, the closer job is there for the taking in the desert. Martinez received his first opportunity after Ryan Thompson blew the save Monday, allowing one run in one inning after surrendering a triple to catcher Bo Naylor followed by a sac fly. The 23-year-old allowed one walk and two strikeouts to record the second save of his career. It may not be apparent for a bit who will cement their feet into the closer role for the Diamondbacks, but after Monday's game, Martinez gave himself a leg up on the competition.
Justin Martinez
• RP
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Diamondbacks
