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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Justin Martinez, 24-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed closer, underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in June 2025 after exiting a game against Seattle. As of May 2026, he has completed his first bullpen session since surgery, throwing with encouraging velocity (96-99 mph fastball). Manager Torey Lovullo described the session as "electric." Martinez still requires approximately 15 total bullpen sessions before progressing to a minor-league rehab assignment, with a targeted return to the major leagues in late August 2026. Prior to injury, Martinez saved 13 games in 2024-25 with a 2.76 ERA and triple-digit fastball velocity.
Strengths
- + Velocity recovery excellent for first bullpen post-TJ surgery (96-99 mph)
- + Manager described performance as 'electric'
- + Young age (24) suggests good recovery potential
- + Established closer with proven track record (13 saves, 2.76 ERA pre-injury)
- + Triple-digit fastball capability with nasty secondary arsenal (splitter, slider)
- + Clear progression pathway established with defined milestones
Weaknesses
- - Second Tommy John surgery (previous TJ surgery history)
- - Extended recovery timeline - not expected back until late August 2026
- - Still requires 15 bullpen sessions before next progression step
- - Long rehabilitation process ahead with multiple hurdles to clear
- - Significant time away from competitive baseball (over 1 year)
- - Uncertainty regarding consistency of velocity as workload increases
Injury Status: IL-60
About
J.P. Martinez is a right fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RF
Chicago Cubs