D-backs closer Justin Martinez returns this weekend vs. St. Louis

PHOENIX — As the Arizona Diamondbacks head into the second half of their six-game road trip, they are getting some much-needed help in their bullpen, as injured reliever Justin Martinez was reinstated Friday.  

The team announced Martinez’s return on social media Friday after clearing out a roster spot for him by optioning reliever Christian Montes De Oca back to the minor leagues on Thursday. Montes De Oca was called up on May 16 after starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez was placed on the IL with left shoulder inflammation. 

Martinez was placed on the Injured List on May 1 due to shoulder fatigue, which played a role in a noticeable drop in his velocity. 

According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, Martinez had complained about the fatigue a few weeks before going on the IL, which led to the average speed of his two-seam fastball dropping from 100.4 mph to 93.5 mph. 

The team had an MRI done on Martinez’s shoulder after placing him on the IL, and it showed no structural damage. 

Martinez,23, is expected to take over the closer role, which is where he started the season before going on the IL. The D-backs have blown 10 saves this season, which is tied for the second most in MLB. 

The D-backs bullpen has struggled in 2025, as it currently has the fourth-worst ERA in MLB (5.28) and has given up the fourth-most home runs in MLB (26).  

The D-backs will begin a three-game series against the Cardinals on Friday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Arizona time.  

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The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.

Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL’s Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.

The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events every year, including college football’s Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.

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