1. Overview
Justin Martínez (born July 30, 2001) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed with the Diamondbacks in 2018 and made his MLB debut in 2023. This article chronicles his journey through the minor leagues, his recovery from injury, and his early Major League Baseball career.
2. Early Life and Profile
Justin Martínez was born on July 30, 2001, in Bonao, Monseñor Nouel Province, Dominican Republic. He is a right-handed pitcher and bats right-handed.
3. Career
Justin Martínez's professional baseball career began in 2018 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, progressing through various minor league levels and overcoming a significant injury before making his Major League Baseball debut in 2023.
3.1. Early Minor League Career (2018-2020)
Martínez signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent in March 2018. He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Dominican Summer League Diamondbacks. In 2018, he pitched in 15 games, starting 12, and recorded 0 wins, 5 losses, a 7.57 ERA, and 30 strikeouts.
For the 2019 season, Martínez split his time between the Dominican Summer League Diamondbacks, the rookie-level Arizona League Diamondbacks, and the rookie-level Missoula Osprey in the Pioneer League. Across these three affiliates, he appeared in 18 games, starting 10, compiling 1 win, 3 losses, 1 save, a 2.89 ERA, and 78 strikeouts across 56.0 innings of work. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant Martínez did not play in any official games that year.
3.2. Minor League Progression and Injury (2021-2022)
Martínez began the 2021 season with the Single-A Visalia Rawhide. He made 7 starts, recording 1 win, 3 losses, a 6.65 ERA, and 24 strikeouts before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which limited his season.
In 2022, Martínez returned from his injury midway through the year. He played across five different teams, including the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Diamondbacks (both the Red and Black squads), High-A Hillsboro Hops, Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles, and Triple-A Reno Aces. In 20 games combined across these teams, he accumulated 3 wins, 3 losses, a 3.32 ERA, and 62 strikeouts in 38.0 innings. Following the regular season, Martínez participated in the Arizona Fall League as a member of the Salt River Rafters. His strong performance led to his selection for the league's all-star game in November. To protect him from the Rule 5 draft, the Diamondbacks added Martínez to their 40-man roster on November 15, 2022.
3.3. MLB Debut and 2023 Season
Martínez was optioned to the Triple-A Reno Aces at the start of the 2023 season. While with the Reno Aces, he made 25 appearances, posting a 4.18 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 5 saves over 28.0 innings pitched.
On June 27, 2023, Martínez received his first promotion to Major League Baseball. However, he was not used out of the bullpen and was optioned back to Reno on June 29, becoming a "phantom ballplayer" as he was on the active MLB roster but did not appear in a game. He was recalled to the major leagues a second time on July 7, making his official MLB debut the same day against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his debut, he allowed two runs in one inning. During his rookie campaign, Martínez pitched in 10 games, recording 1 save, a 12.60 ERA, and 14 strikeouts across 10.0 innings.
3.4. 2024 Season
Martínez was again optioned to Triple-A Reno to begin the 2024 season.
4. Statistical and Detailed Information
4.1. Pitching Statistics by Year
| Year | Team | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | W | L | HLD | BS | ERA | WHIP | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | IBB | SO | HBP | BK | WP | BFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ARI | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12.60 | 2.40 | 10.0 | 13 | 2 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 57 |
| 2024 | ARI | 64 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 2.48 | 1.31 | 72.2 | 59 | 2 | 36 | 6 | 2 | 91 | 8 | 26 | 20 | 308 | |
| MLB Total (2 years) | 74 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 3.70 | 1.44 | 82.2 | 72 | 4 | 47 | 7 | 4 | 105 | 9 | 40 | 34 | 365 | ||
- As of the end of the 2024 season.
4.2. Jersey Number
Throughout his Major League Baseball career, Justin Martínez has worn jersey number 63 (2023-present).