Justin Martinez has quickly grown into a rising MLB pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. This right-handed pitcher has generated a lot of buzz as he impresses both the field and fans with his wicked splitter. The talent and velocity Martinez brings is ultimately every batter’s nightmare.
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When stepping up to the plate against Martinez, his high-velocity fastball has always been something to be cautious of. He knows how to put a ball away with sheer speed. But now, an even bigger factor to be aware of is that tough splitter. As a batter, this is a nightmare — the ball comes out of Martinez’s hand looking like a fastball, and any hitter ready to swing will lose sight of it as it disappears in the blink of an eye, leaving them hoping they can at least make contact with the air.
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez (63) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Chase Field in Phoenix on April 8, 2025.
© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
What makes Martinez’s splitter so terrifying for batters is the way it replicates a fastball — until it’s clear it’s not. He uses the same intense spin, and before you know it, the ball has vanished into thin air, dropping so sharply it’s almost unreal. This isn’t a once-a-game pitch, either. Martinez is able to deliver pitches like this consistently, anywhere from 90 to 94 mph. But speed aside, by the time you realize what’s happening, it’s already over. Martinez has developed the kind of pitch that leaves opponents shaken, unsure of what’s coming next.
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Reporter Dulce Antonsen covers general assignments in The Valley for Burn City Sports.
