Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Chris Martin, 39-year-old Rangers right-handed reliever, has been sidelined since April 15 with a right shoulder impingement. After progressing through bullpen sessions and live batting practice, he began a Triple-A rehab assignment in mid-May. However, his first rehab appearance was concerning: he allowed 4 runs on 4 hits in 2/3 innings with 2 home runs, both on his splitter. This continues a troubling trend from his early season performance where opponents hit .667 against his splitter with a 1.000 slugging percentage and zero swings and misses. Last season, his splitter was a plus-3 run value pitch with a 25% put-away rate. Martin expressed being "stumped" by the issues, noting the splitter is "getting whacked" both in the majors and during rehab.
Strengths
- + Physically felt good during rehab appearance
- + Successfully progressed through multiple bullpen sessions without issue
- + Cleared live batting practice hurdle
- + Veteran pitcher with prior success (splitter was plus-3 run value last season)
- + Making progress in injury recovery timeline
Weaknesses
- - Right shoulder impingement causing extended absence
- - Splitter effectiveness has dramatically declined (opponents hitting .667 with 1.000 slugging)
- - Poor early season performance (7.11 ERA in 8 games before injury)
- - Allowed 2 home runs in 2/3 innings during rehab debut
- - Age 39 with declining pitch effectiveness
- - Struggled in closer role before injury
- - Zero swings and misses on splitter in 2026 vs. 25% put-away rate in 2025
Injury Status: IL-15
About
Chris Roller is a left fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
LF
Chicago Cubs