Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Chris Martin, 39-year-old Texas Rangers right-handed reliever, has been sidelined since April 15 with a right shoulder impingement. He is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock after clearing live batting practice. In his first rehab appearance on May 13, Martin allowed 4 runs on 4 hits in 2/3 inning with 2 home runs, both on his splitter. His early 2026 season was marked by poor performance (7.11 ERA in 8 games) before the injury, with opponents hitting .667 against his splitter and slugging 1.000 against it. Martin is approaching one month since last pitching in the majors and faces questions about his effectiveness upon return.
Strengths
- + Physically felt good during rehab appearance
- + Cleared live batting practice successfully
- + Veteran pitcher with proven track record (2.98 ERA in 2025, 1.05 ERA in 2023)
- + Progressing through rehab assignment as planned
- + Expected to return to majors later in May
Weaknesses
- - Splitter being hit hard - opponents slugging 1.000 against it in 2026
- - 7.11 ERA in first 8 games before injury
- - 52.4% hard-hit rate against him
- - Poor rehab debut: 4 runs in 2/3 inning with 2 HRs
- - Age-related decline concerns at 39 years old (turning 40 June 2)
- - Significant drop in performance from 2025 season
- - Splitter lost effectiveness - no whiffs in 2026 vs 25% putaway rate in 2025
- - Questions about role and fit in bullpen upon return
Injury Status: IL-15
About
Chris Stratton is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs