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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 exiting a game against Seattle. As of May 2026, he has completed his first bullpen session since surgery at Salt River Fields, throwing with impressive 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 active roster 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
- + Fastball velocity already 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 proven track record (13 saves, 2.76 ERA pre-injury)
- + Triple-digit fastball and strong secondary arsenal (splitter, slider)
- + Clear progression pathway with defined milestones
Weaknesses
- - Second Tommy John surgery (previous surgery history)
- - Long recovery timeline - not expected back until late August 2026
- - Still requires 15 bullpen sessions before next progression step
- - Lengthy rehabilitation process ahead
- - Missed entire 2025 season post-June injury
Injury Status: IL-60 -- Tommy John surgery on right elbow (June 2025); second TJ surgery in player's career
About
Juan Martinez is a third baseman for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
3B
Chicago Cubs