PHOENIX — One of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ flame-throwing relievers is showing encouraging progress in his recovery after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year.
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Jun 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez (63) reacts after an out against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Justin Martinez, who pitched for the Diamondbacks in high-leverage and closing situations, was sidelined midway through last season due to a UCL sprain in his right elbow. He later underwent Tommy John surgery and has been rehabilitating ever since.
However, Martinez’s latest Instagram story suggests his recovery is heading in the right direction.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Justin Martinez throws a pitch at the team’s training complex on Jan. 15, 2026. Credits: Justin Martinez (Instagram: @justinmartinez63_)
The young reliever posted a video of himself at the team’s complex, casually throwing. While he was not at his usual blazing speed, simply being able to throw again signals that Martinez is inching closer to a full recovery.
Losing Martinez early in the season was a blow for Arizona. After a dominant start and emerging as a potential star closer, the right-hander was removed from a June 9 game against the Seattle Mariners after experiencing tightness in his elbow.
He was not the only Diamondbacks pitcher to require season-ending surgery, but with his power arm and devastating splitter, Arizona clearly felt his absence down the stretch.
Jun 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws against the Seattle Mariners in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Before going down, Martinez posted a 4.11 ERA with 22 strikeouts and five saves. He was one of 17 different pitchers to record a save for the Diamondbacks in 2025, an MLB single-season record.
The Instagram post offers positive news for the organization. If Martinez continues on this recovery path, the Diamondbacks could see him return to the mound sooner than anticipated. For a team in need of pitching depth, his return would be a significant boost.
Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
That said, arm injuries are delicate and cannot be rushed. While it is encouraging to see a young pitcher throwing again, patience is often the best approach to avoid setbacks or further injury.
For Diamondbacks fans, it is simply reassuring to see one of the team’s most beloved relievers progressing after the difficult sight of him leaving the mound midgame last season.
https://t.co/G4NXVrmBbh pic.twitter.com/wZqfPSuNr8
— Goldschmidt Happened (@GoldyHappens) January 15, 2026
This makes me happy to see!
— Johnny D! (@0sSkate) January 15, 2026
j Mart!
— RC (@rmc4az) January 16, 2026
Time will tell when Martinez makes his comeback, but one thing is clear from his post: he is working tirelessly to return and compete again in a Diamondbacks uniform.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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