PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are expecting to get a major bullpen piece back during their next road trip.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Looks like Justin Martinez will get one or two more outings before returning to the Diamondbacks next week on the road. l would expect either the final game of the Atlanta series on Sunday or first of the Boston series Monday.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 11, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez (63) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Chase Field in Phoenix on April 8, 2025.
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, right-hander Justin Martinez is expected to make one or two more rehab appearances before rejoining the D-Backs for their visits to the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. The return could come as early as the last game in Atlanta or the opening game against Boston.
Getting Martinez back gives Arizona a power arm capable of handling high-leverage situations late in games. It also marks the final step in a road back that began when his 2025 season ended due to an elbow injury.
Jun 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez (63) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The right-hander left a June game against the Seattle Mariners with two outs in the ninth inning after experiencing elbow tightness. Later, an MRI revealed a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, and Martinez ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery on June 25, ending his season and putting his 2026 return in question.
Before the injury, Martinez had filled in with ninth-inning closer duties, using his velocity and nasty splitter to keep opposing batters off balance and generate swings and misses. In 2024, he appeared in 64 games and posted a 2.48 ERA with 91 strikeouts and eight saves.
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) and Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) slap hands after defeating the Baltimore Orioles at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
After waiting more than a year to see him return, the D-Backs are getting back one of their most important bullpen pieces just in time for the final stretch of the season and a push toward the postseason.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Cardinals fans react to Kyler Murray being named Viking’s starting QB
