Chris

Martin

Martin return coincides with setup specialist Jakob Junis hitting the shelf with a hip impingement, which means he could be thrust into some high-leverage spots ahead of closer Jacob Latz right out of the gate. The 40-year-old veteran reliever is back after missing nearly five weeks with a shoulder impingement.

Martin’s absence leaves the Rangers without one of their better high-leverage arms behind Jacob Latz, who has seemingly taken over as the club’s closer. The 39-year-old veteran has dealt with shoulder issues for a couple years and is likely facing a multi-week absence.

Martin returns to Texas’ high-leverage mix for Tuesday’s contest against the Rockies after missing nearly five weeks recovering from a shoulder impingement. The 39-year-old veteran remains a highly effective late-inning arm, but he’s dealt with a plethora of physical issues in recent years, which isn’t completely unexpected at this stage of his career.

Martin will get some extra time off to rest and recover after experiencing arm fatigue earlier this week. The 39-year-old veteran remains an effective high-leverage option when he’s healthy. Some durability issues aren’t unexpected at his advanced age.

Martin is no stranger to the IL, and he might be headed there again. He’s opened this season by giving up six runs — five earned — in 6 1/3 innings over eight appearances.

The Rangers already have to be regretting not making a real investment in their pen during the offseason. The 39-year-old Martin, who said last season was likely to be his last, will probably bounce back after giving up four earned runs over 2 2/3 innings in his first four appearances, but he’ll also probably get hurt at some point. The Rangers really need a youngster or two from the group including Emiliano Teodo, Marc Church and Luis Curvelo to step it up and emerge as contributors.

The Rangers couldn’t resist using their three best relievers, Martin, Robert Garcia and Cole Winn, for the third time in four game tonight, so like they were Monday, they’ll be shorthanded against Wednesday unless they’re willing to use those guys four times in five days. Martin would seem to be very easy to rule out. If Garcia is unavailable, too, maybe Tyler Alexander will get his third save chance already.

This one was a combined blown save from the Rangers’ top two closer candidates. Robert Garcia started the inning with a three-run lead. He got two quick outs before a single and a walk put two runners on. Martin came in to face right-hander Adolis García, who doubled to score a run. Brandon Marsh then knocked a base hit to tie the game. Martin eventually got out of the inning tied before Tyler Alexander secured a save in the tenth inning for Texas, with Martin credited for the win. Expect Garcia and Martin to continue to work in a committee for save chances.

Schumaker elaborated that he’s comfortable with both Robert Garcia and Chris Martin handling the ninth-inning duties but added that there’s a chance a few different guys get opportunities. It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement from Texas’ skipper but we would be surprised to see someone other than Garcia or Martin coming through the bullpen gates at the start of the year based on their high-leverage experience. The interesting dark horse name to watch long-term is Rule 5 pick Carter Baumler based on his impressive stuff.

Schumaker allowed the thought that Alexis Diaz could eventually factor into the equation too if he pitches well in Spring Training. Garcia finished 2025 with a 2.95 ERA in 71 games, but had only nine saves and took eight losses out of the bullpen. Martin finished the year with two saves and has the more established track record, but is also entering his age-40 season. This looks like a situation that has yet to fully unfold in camp, but we’d bet on Garcia to be the best bet to close as of now.