"All Indications" Justin Martinez Will Be Available On Wednesday
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that "all indications" are that right-handed reliever Justin Martinez (shoulder) will be available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's game against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. "I feel very strongly that today could be the day for him to come back," Lovullo said. Martinez hasn't pitched since last Thursday due to right-shoulder fatigue, but it appears the 23-year-old high-leverage reliever won't need a trip to the injured list just yet. Left-hander A.J. Puk (elbow) went on the injured list on Saturday, which led to Drey Jameson picking up the save on Sunday when Martinez was unavailable with what could be a case of early-season dead arm. If Martinez gets past the issue, he should be first in line for save opportunities in the back end of Arizona's bullpen until Puk is able to return. Martinez hasn't allowed a run in his first seven innings with 10 K's and two saves.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed reliever Justin Martinez (shoulder) is dealing with right-shoulder fatigue that could just be a dead-arm phase early in the season, and manager Torey Lovullo said it's possible that he'll be available out of the bullpen on Wednesday if the team needs him against the Tampa Bay Rays. Lovullo also said that Martinez is "very, very close" to being 100 percent, which is good news considering that left-hander A.J. Puk (elbow) landed on the injured list over the weekend. Martinez should see most of Arizona's save chances going forward if he can get past his shoulder issue with Puk sidelined. When Martinez was unavailable for a save opportunity on Sunday against the Cubs, Drey Jameson got the call and closed the door. In addition to Jameson, Shelby Miller, Jalen Beeks and Ryan Thompson could be options in the ninth if Martinez can't get past his shoulder issue.
Justin Martinez Unavailable Recently Due To Fatigue
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that right-handed reliver Justin Martinez was not available in Sunday's victory over the Chicago Cubs due to "fatigue" and a recent heavy workload. Team trainers told Lovullo that Martinez needed another day off, but the team didn't send him for any testing or imaging. The 23-year-old Dominican last threw a third of an inning on April 17 to pick up a hold against the Miami Marlins, so it's a bit curious that Lovullo mentioned his recent heavy workload. With left-hander A.J. Puk (elbow) going on the 15-day injured list on Saturday and Martinez being unavailable on Sunday, righty Drey Jameson picked up the save on Easter against the Cubs. Martinez should be available to pitch in Tuesday's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, but if he isn't and is dealing with an injury, Jameson, Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks could be options for saves in Arizona.
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez was not available on Sunday due to fatigue and a heavy workload, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Arizona won 3-2 in an 11-inning game against the Cubs, so it raised some alarms when Martinez never saw the field. It's still odd for him to be dealing with fatigue, considering he hasn't pitched in a game since Thursday, so the situation is worth monitoring. This would be bad timing if it is a more serious injury, as Martinez just became the full-time closer with A.J. Puk landing on the injured list with left elbow inflammation.
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
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Diamondbacks
