Justin Martínez Scheduled for Tommy John Surgery: What It Means for His Season Ahead

Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martínez is facing Tommy John surgery, as confirmed by manager Torey Lovullo. This news is a significant setback for the team, as he’ll miss the rest of this season and a large part of 2026.

Earlier this week, Martínez was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Sprains can range from mild to severe, and unfortunately, this one will require surgery. Typically, recovery from Tommy John surgery takes about 14 to 18 months, leaving his return in the second half of 2026 uncertain.

This situation is particularly tough for the Arizona bullpen. Martínez had a standout performance last year, pitching 72 innings with an impressive 2.48 ERA. He struck out nearly 30% of the batters he faced, helping minimize the damage against him. He and fellow pitcher A.J. Puk were expected to lead the bullpen moving forward. However, both have been plagued by injuries this season; Puk has been out with elbow inflammation for almost two months.

Without Martínez and Puk, the bullpen’s struggles are evident. They currently hold a collective 5.21 ERA, ranking near the bottom of the league. As the Diamondbacks stand at 34-34, they trail by 4.5 games for a playoff spot. If they want to stay in the postseason race, bolstering their bullpen at the trade deadline may become essential.

Interestingly, the five-year, $18 million extension Martínez signed includes club options for 2030 and 2031. Due to his surgery, there’s a conditional option worth $3 million that will now be available. This option kicks in if he requires surgery or misses time on the injured list during his contract.

It’s crucial to note that while many pitchers recover well from Tommy John surgery, it’s not guaranteed. This will be Martínez’s second time undergoing the procedure, which adds to the uncertainty about his future performance. The average return rate for pitchers post-surgery is around 75%, but each case is unique.

In the current landscape, injuries are a hot topic. Recent surveys show that fans are becoming increasingly aware of the physical toll that a competitive sport like baseball takes on players. Discussions on social media highlight both concern and sympathy for players dealing with identical injuries.

As the season continues, all eyes will be on Martínez’s recovery journey and the overall health of the Arizona bullpen. For fans, this is more than just a setback; it’s a reminder of the challenges athletes face.

For further details about injuries and player recovery in sports, you can check out the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

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