Scouting Report: Erik Martinez
Chicago Cubs | RP
Overall
Summary
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'
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