Justin Martinez returns, Diamondbacks option Christian Montes De Oca

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned right-handed reliever Christian Montes De Oca on Thursday, opening a roster spot for the return of Justin Martinez, who moved off the 15-day injured list Friday, according to the D-backs.

Martinez was placed on the 15-day IL on May 1 with right shoulder inflammation. His velocity had dropped, as he threw fastballs in the mid 90s mph before hitting the shelf.

Martinez threw a rehab game for the Aces on Tuesday, in which he unloaded 101.5 mph heaters.

His return deepens the back end of the bullpen, which has relied on Shelby Miller filling in as closer with A.J. Puk also on the IL (left elbow inflammation).

Manager Torey Lovullo said on Wednesday that there was a “really good chance” Martinez would come off the injured list for Arizona’s weekend series at the St. Louis Cardinals, which begins on Friday evening.

Justin Martinez returns to D-backs as Montes De Oca heads back to Reno

Montes De Oca heads back to Triple-A Reno despite not receiving a single opportunity to pitch in the major leagues during his first cup of coffee.

The D-backs selected the 25-year-old last Friday, and the team played six games without calling his name.

Montes De Oca owns a 2.37 ERA in 12 games with the Aces this season, striking out 17 batters with only four walks in 19 frames. He throws a fastball in the upper 90s mph, working off a slider in the mid-to-upper 80s mph.

Making the major leagues was a huge accomplishment for the Dominican native, as he did not sign with a team until he was 22 years old, which is very late in the process. He steadily rose through the system and reached the 40-man roster, where he’ll continue to provide organizational depth.

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