Justin

Martinez

Martinez got the call to protect a narrow one-run margin in the 10th inning after Ryan Thompson was saddled with a blown save the previous inning when he surrendered a game-tying sacrifice fly that sent the contest to extra innings. He intentionally walked José Ramírez to put runners on the corners before striking out Josh Naylor and David Fry to preserve the victory. The hard-throwing 23-year-old righty should continue to factor into Arizona’s closing mix alongside Thompson and newly-acquired A.J. Puk moving forward, which makes him an interesting addition in deeper mixed leagues where every potential save is extremely valuable.

Lovullo didn’t rule out the possibility of Sewald regaining the role eventually, but the Diamondbacks are going to turn to some of their alternatives moving forward. It was Ryan Thompson who was summoned to protect a two-run lead on Friday night in Pittsburgh, but we’re assuming Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel and newly-acquired A.J. Puk will be in the mix for save chances moving forward.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo used his four best relievers and only his four best relievers on Friday and then did the exact same thing Saturday. As a result, the only one of those four pitches apparently available today was the 23-year-old Martinez, not the 34-year-old Sewald, 30-year-old Kevin Ginkel or 32-year-old Ryan Thompson. Martinez, who was working for a third straight day for the first time in his career, at least managed to preserve the tie after blowing a one-run lead, but the Diamondbacks had no effort left in the 10th.

Most relief wins are largely a product of being in the right place at the right time, but Martinez certainly earned this one. With his walk rate somewhat under control (he’s issued 17 free passes in 35 innings), he’s been one of the NL’s best relievers since making his 2024 debut on Apr. 17, amassing a 1.54 ERA in 35 innings.

Martinez joins Arizona’s bullpen as a last-minute addition prior to Tuesday’s contest against the Cardinals with southpaw Kyle Nelson landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. The 22-year-old righty has made 12 relief appearances for the Diamondbacks over the last two seasons.

Martinez is sent down to make room for Slade Cecconi. In two appearances for Arizona this year, Martinez threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts, but also four walks.

Martinez has been outstanding as the Triple-A closer in Reno. He’s only allowed one run in his 6 2/3 innings pitched and has punched out 14 batters while allowing zero walks. The 22-year-old could be used in low-leverage situations for the D-backs if they choose to give the young righty an opportunity.

The reigning NL champions confirmed earlier this week that Geraldo Perdomo would be their Opening Day shortstop, so it isn’t surprising that the 21-year-old will open the season in the minor leagues. Lawlar struggled in his cup of coffee last year, posting a .129/.206/.129 slash line across 34 plate appearances. He could return to the big league squad before too long if Perdomo struggles at the dish.

The hard-throwing Martínez has given up 13 runs and walked 10 in eight innings for the Diamondbacks this season. Even in Triple-A, he walked 48 in 49 1/3 innings. Expect him to be used in low leverage situations.

Martinez was shipped back to the minors over the weekend. The 22-year-old righty has struggled mightily this season in nine relief appearances at the big league level.