Justin Martinez has ‘really good chance’ to return this weekend at Cardinals

LOS ANGELES — After Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Justin Martinez pumped 101.5 mph heaters during a rehab game at Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, manager Torey Lovullo more than hinted he will return this weekend at the St. Louis Cardinals.

Martinez has been on the injured list since May 1 with right shoulder inflammation, as his velocity previously dropped while he dealt with shoulder fatigue or dead arm.

“There’s a really good chance he will be joining us in St. Louis,” Lovullo said after Wednesday’s game. “He’s been working really hard. You’ll probably get that information very shortly. But yeah, there’s a good chance you’ll see his first outing in St. Louis.”

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported Wednesday that Martinez was traveling back to Arizona in order to join the D-backs.

The Diamondbacks get Thursday off before starting a three-game series at Busch Stadium on Friday.

Martinez reached 99 mph on the radar gun during an Arizona Complex League outing on Saturday, and back in a competitive game setting, his velocity kicked back up to normal.

“We care about execution in addition to the stuff quality, but for last night, a big marker for us was that velocity because that’s been the thing that was the most out of whack from where his baseline is,” assistant general manager Mike Fitzgerald told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on Wednesday.

“We’re encouraged that he checked that box.”

Scoreless inning ✅
Lit up the radar gun ✅

Justin Martinez's rehab appearance did not disappoint 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3MAlFil1YV

— Reno Aces (@Aces) May 21, 2025

Lovullo said he spoke to Martinez on Wednesday, and the right-hander told his manager he felt good after the outing.

Martinez has a 2.70 ERA in 10 innings pitched this year as a co-closer with A.J. Puk, who is on the 60-day IL.

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