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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Justin Martinez, 24-year-old right-handed closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in June 2025 after suffering an injury on June 9, 2025. As of May 2026, Martinez has begun his recovery process and threw his first bullpen session since surgery at Salt River Fields on May 8, 2026. Manager Torey Lovullo described the session as "electric," with Martinez's fastball sitting in the 96-99 mph range, demonstrating encouraging velocity recovery. Martinez will need to complete approximately 15 bullpen sessions before progressing to a minor-league rehab assignment. He is targeting a return to action in late August 2026. Prior to his injury, Martinez saved 13 games in 2024-25 with a 2.76 ERA and featured a triple-digit fastball along with a nasty secondary arsenal (splitter and slider).
Strengths
- + Velocity recovery impressive at 96-99 mph on first bullpen session post-surgery
- + Manager describes performance as 'electric'
- + Young age (24) suggests good recovery potential
- + Established closer with 13 saves and 2.76 ERA pre-injury
- + Triple-digit fastball and strong secondary pitches (splitter, slider)
- + Early progress in rehabilitation timeline
- + Fastball velocity consistent with pre-injury levels
Weaknesses
- - Second Tommy John surgery (previous internal brace procedure)
- - Long recovery timeline - not expected back until late August 2026
- - Still requires 15 bullpen sessions before next progression step
- - Lengthy rehabilitation process ahead with multiple hurdles to clear
- - Missed entire 2025 season after June injury
- - Behind other relievers (A.J. Puk, Corbin Burnes) in recovery timeline
Injury Status: IL-60
About
Erik Martinez is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs