PHOENIX – Momentum in baseball is fragile, but postseason contending teams in the MLB know how to build on it. That’s why Justin Martinez’s steady climb back from Tommy John surgery could become one of the most important developments of the Diamondbacks’ season.
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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
Justin Martinez will throw another live batting practice on Wednesday and could find his way into a rehab game after that, Torey Lovullo said.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 20, 2026
Martinez suffered a torn elbow ligament during a matchup on June 9th, 2025, against the Seattle Mariners before undergoing Tommy John surgery later that month. Losing one of the hardest throwers in baseball left a noticeable void in Arizona’s bullpen, forcing others into bigger late-inning roles throughout the season. Now, that picture is beginning to change.
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
Manager Torey Lovullo said Martinez will throw another live batting practice this week, with a rehab assignment potentially following shortly after, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. While every recovery step must be handled carefully, the timing couldn’t be more significant. Arizona enters the second half playing some of its best baseball, highlighted by a sweep of the rival Dodgers before the All-Star break and a series victory over the Cardinals afterward. More importantly, the Diamondbacks are beginning to resemble the balanced club many envisioned before injuries reshaped the roster.
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona pitcher 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
Getting Martinez back wouldn’t simply add another bullpen arm. It would restore defined roles, shorten games for the starting rotation, and give Arizona another power option capable of missing bats in the highest-pressure moments. Deep postseason runs are often decided by which team can protect a one-run lead in October, and Martinez has already shown he possesses that type of stuff. For Diamondbacks fans, this isn’t just a comeback story. It represents hope that the club’s strongest roster may still be ahead of it. If Martinez returns healthy, Arizona may not need to look outside the organization for its biggest bullpen upgrade; the answer could already be on the way.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
