Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Justin Martinez, 24-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed closer, underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in June 2025 after exiting a game against Seattle. As of May 2026, he has completed his first bullpen session since surgery at Salt River Fields, throwing with fastball velocity in the 96-99 mph range. Manager Torey Lovullo described the session as "electric" and encouraging. Martinez still requires approximately 15 total bullpen sessions before progressing to a minor-league rehab assignment, with a targeted return to the major leagues in late August 2026. Prior to injury, Martinez saved 13 games in 2024-25 with a 2.76 ERA and featured a triple-digit fastball with a nasty secondary arsenal (splitter and slider).
Strengths
- + Velocity maintained at 96-99 mph on first bullpen post-surgery
- + Manager describes performance as 'electric'
- + Young age (24) suggests good recovery potential
- + Established closer with proven track record (13 saves, 2.76 ERA pre-injury)
- + Triple-digit fastball with quality secondary pitches (splitter, slider)
- + Clear recovery progression pathway established
- + Positive organizational support and monitoring
Weaknesses
- - Second Tommy John surgery (previous TJ surgery mentioned)
- - Long recovery timeline - not expected back until late August 2026
- - Requires 15+ bullpen sessions before rehab assignment
- - Significant time away from competitive baseball
- - Risk of complications from second elbow surgery
- - Uncertainty regarding full velocity consistency and durability
Injury Status: IL-60
About
J.P. Martinez is a right fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RF
Chicago Cubs