Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Chris Martin, 39-year-old Texas Rangers relief pitcher, has been sidelined since April 15 with a right shoulder impingement. He began a Triple-A rehab assignment in mid-May after clearing live batting practice. In his first rehab appearance on May 13, Martin 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 2026 season where opponents hit .667 against his splitter with a 1.000 slugging percentage and zero whiffs. His 2026 ERA stands at 7.11 through 8 games. Last season he was a valuable high-leverage reliever when healthy.
Strengths
- + Physically felt good during rehab appearance
- + Successfully completed 25-pitch live batting practice without issue
- + Cleared multiple hurdles in recovery process
- + Veteran pitcher with proven track record as high-leverage reliever in 2025
- + Splitter had plus-3 run value and 25% PutAway percentage in 2025
Weaknesses
- - Splitter being hit hard - opponents slugging 1.000 against it in 2026
- - Zero whiffs on splitter in 2026 (major concern for strikeout pitch)
- - 7.11 ERA through 8 games in 2026
- - Allowed 4 runs in 2/3 innings in rehab debut with 2 home runs
- - Struggled in closer role before injury
- - Age 39 with shoulder impingement history
- - Pitcher 'stumped' by performance issues
- - Nearly one month without major league action
Injury Status: IL-15
About
Chris Wright is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs