Scouting Report: Richie Martin

Summary

Chris Martin, 39-year-old Rangers right-handed reliever, has been sidelined since April 15 with a right shoulder impingement. He cleared a 25-pitch live batting practice session and began a Triple-A rehab assignment with Round Rock in mid-May. However, his first rehab appearance was concerning—he allowed 4 runs on 4 hits in 2/3 innings, including 2 home runs on his splitter. This continues a troubling trend from his 2026 season start where opponents hit .667 against his splitter with a 1.000 slugging percentage and zero whiffs. His splitter, which was a plus-3 run value pitch last season with a 25% putaway rate, has become a liability. Martin posted a 7.11 ERA in his first 8 games before the injury and struggled in the closer's role.