Drey Jameson heads to IL with hip inflammation

The 28-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since mid-July due to right hip inflammation. He should only need a couple of outings there before he’s cleared to rejoin the Diamondbacks’ bullpen.

Jameson gets the call to join Arizona’s relief mix after posting an underwhelming 7.33 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 23/12 K/BB ratio across 23 1/3 innings as a reliever for Triple-A Reno this season. The 28-year-old former prospect’s career was derailed by a Tommy John procedure that he underwent during the late stages of the 2023 campaign.

Jameson had a shot at earning a spot in the club’s Opening Day bullpen, but he struggled to an 8.44 ERA, 2.44 WHIP and a 5/5 K/BB ratio over 5 1/3 innings during Cactus League play. He’ll undoubtedly get an opportunity with the big league club at some point during the 2026 campaign.

Jameson might have the highest ceiling in the Arizona bullpen, but he’s not up to speed just yet; his average fastball today was down 1.7 mph from the 98.3 mph he averaged in the majors last season. With one option year remaining, he’s not currently guaranteed a spot on the team.

Jameson missed the overwhelming majority of the final four months of last season due to a bone spur in his surgically repaired right elbow. He missed the entire 2024 campaign recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old’s premium fastball velocity has bounced back this fall as he’s sat in the mid-to-upper 90’s while topping out at 99 mph in a handful of relief appearances. He’s expected to be a full-go for spring training and will likely make the conversion to a full-time relief role after operating as a starter earlier in his career.

Jameson allowed two runs — one earned — over three innings (three appearances) during a brief stint with the Diamondbacks over the past week. The 27-year-old righty heads back to the minors ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Mets.

Martinez hasn’t pitched since last Thursday due to shoulder fatigue, but there’s no indication he’ll wind up requiring a trip to the injured list. It would likely be some combination of Shelby Miller, Ryan Thompson and Drey Jameson handling a save chance on Wednesday night if Martinez isn’t able to go.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said late Tuesday that Martinez is possibly dealing with a “dead arm” phase, but believes he’s “very close” to 100 percent. The hard-throwing 23-year-old righty hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, but there’s been no indication that the Diamondbacks are considering sending him to the injured list. He’s expected to serve as Arizona’s primary closer with A.J. Puk (elbow) on the injured list. Some combination of Shelby Miller, Ryan Thompson and Drey Jameson are in the mix to close if Martinez is unable to answer the bell.

Jameson was called up Saturday after posting a 2.70 ERA in seven appearances for Triple-A Reno. Primarily a starter as a pro, the Diamondbacks plan to keep him in the pen this year in his first season back from Tommy John. He could wind up being pretty useful in short relief.

Jameson gets the call to bolster Arizona’s bullpen after Friday’s meltdown at Wrigley Field. The 27-year-old righty will work in long relief.