ST. LOUIS – The return of Justin Martinez didn’t go as planned for any party involved on Saturday, as his eighth-inning appearance proved to be a disaster for the D-Backs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Justin Martinez makes his return and gives up two hits and two earned runs.
The @Dbacks now trail the @Cardinals by a score of 6-5 heading into the ninth inning.#Dbacks #ForTheLou #MLB
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) May 24, 2025
Justin Martinez was able to strike out two, but in the process had his first blown save of the season as he gave up two runs on two hits including a walk. This was Martinez’s first appearance since shoulder inflammation sidelined him.
Mar 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez warms up before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Bullpen problems have been one of the biggest stories of this season so far for Arizona. Whether it is mismanagement of the bullpen, or just the talent level itself.. whatever it is, it’s hurting this ball club. The Snakes have to get to the bottom of it.
It is early in the season, and the Snakes are navigating through the toughest division in baseball. If the D-Backs want to become more than a playoff contender, they need to address the elephant in the room, which is their late game pitching decisions. Most of which, have not been successful.
Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Arizona Diaomondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
A.J. Puk sounds like he is making progress, but in what form will he return? Justin Martinez getting brought back to this roster was one of the biggest highlights. The D-Backs have to make sure he can perform moving forward. His status as the closer for Arizona has to be up in the air though. As talented as Martinez is, his youth and inexperience might not get the Snakes to where they want to be.
The D-Backs will look to avoid a sweep tomorrow in St. Louis against the Cardinals. First pitch at Busch Stadium is on Sunday is at 11:10 p.m. PT.
May 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after hitting a go-ahead one run single off of Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Another blown opportunity for Arizona Diamondbacks in loss to Cardinals
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
