PHOENIX — Pitchers coming back from Tommy John surgery aren’t always guaranteed to be able to hit the ground running when they return, but for Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Justin Martinez, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez (63) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Chase Field in Phoenix on April 8, 2025.
The 25-year-old right-hander has been on a roll since his return from a UCL sprain that sidelined him during the 2025 season. Before then, Martinez had started to establish himself as one of the higher-leverage arms in the Arizona bullpen, usually given the task of closing games or keeping them close enough for the D-Backs to come back.
Martinez had a breakout season in 2024, posting a 2.48 ERA with 91 strikeouts and a 1.31 WHIP.
The Snakes have been cautious about getting him back into the mix without overworking him after his second Tommy John surgery, but Martinez is showing he can handle it — and much more.
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
Since returning to the roster on Aug. 17, Martinez has yet to give up an earned run through 7.2 innings. With his blazing fastball that touches over 100 mph and a devastating splitter, the right-hander is showing he can provide the club with valuable innings as the postseason race continues.
However, his most defining moment since his return came against the Texas Rangers on Friday, when he pitched an immaculate inning in the sixth, striking out three Rangers on only three pitches each.
JUSTIN MARTINEZ IMMACULATE INNING!!! pic.twitter.com/k09x92LqCd
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 12, 2026
It was Arizona’s second immaculate inning of the season, with Michael Soroka recording the other earlier in the year during his season debut. It was also just the fifth immaculate inning in franchise history.
The milestone was another indication that Martinez is more than ready to help the D-Backs push toward October — regardless of the situation.
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
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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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