Arizona Diamondbacks Suffers Significant Loss in its Pitching Staff
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching staff has suffered another blow, as right-handed closer Justin Martinez will miss the rest of the season due to a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo informed MLB Network Radio that Martinez is seeking a second opinion on the next steps, but is expected to be out of action for 12 to 13 months.
Martinez, who was previously on the 15-day injured list for right shoulder inflammation, had returned and seemed to be in full form until Monday’s game against the Seattle Mariners. In that game, despite the 8-4 victory, Martinez showed discomfort in his right elbow, which forced him to leave the game.
An MRI later revealed the sprain in the UCL, leading Martinez to the 15-day injured list on Tuesday.
The Diamondbacks currently have eight pitchers on the injured list, including four who are out for the rest of the season due to UCL injuries: Corbin Burnes, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Walston, and now Martinez.
In addition, Martinez’s co-closer, A.J. Puk, was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 1 due to inflammation in his left elbow and could return in early July. Three other pitchers, Cristian Mena (shoulder), Kendall Graveman (hip), and Christian Montes De Oca (elbow), do not have an estimated return date.
Martinez, who became a reliever after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2021, has a 1-2 record with five saves and a 4.11 ERA in 17 relief appearances this season.
In his career with Arizona, the 23-year-old pitcher has a 6-8 record with 14 saves and a 3.77 ERA in 91 relief appearances.
