Nick

Martinez

Lodolo still hasn’t had any arm problems as a major leaguer, but the rest of his body keeps betraying him. The 26-year-old was looking like a potential All-Star with his 3.34 ERA and 43/9 K/BB ratio in six starts since returning from his last round of problems with his left leg. Nick Martinez could return to the rotation in his place.

Martinez didn’t put together much of a revenge game against his former team, though he probably deserved better during a four-run fifth inning. The loss left him 0-2 with a 5.46 ERA. He’s due to make at least one more start before Frankie Montas returns and sends him back to middle relief.

Martinez allowed four extra-base hits on the day, but 12 hard-hit baseballs as the Phillies squared the ball up regularly. Martinez did strike out three and post a 24 percent whiff rate on the day while walking nobody but that was about the only good news. He now has a 5.48 ERA on the year and will take on the Padres next time out. He’s not a recommended play.

It was his first appearance since his last start on Apr. 6. He was due to start again last Thursday, but that game was postponed, and the Reds chose to bypass him afterwards. Martinez was hoping to avoid the bullpen when he signed with Cincinnati in the offseason, but it looks like the Reds will go with their younger starters for now. Odds are that they’ll need Martinez back in the rotation at some point. In the meantime, he’ll be a threat for wins in middle relief.

This was the series finale between the two NL Central foes. The game has been made up as the first game of a double header on August 30. Nick Martinez, who was scheduled to start today, will get extended rest and not pitch in the weekend series against the White Sox. The Brewers will head down to Baltimore for their weekend series with the Orioles.

Martinez had stranded three baserunners through the first three frames before running into some trouble in the fourth. A single, walk, and hit batter loaded the bases with two outs before Omar Narváez knocked a base hit to bring home two runs. Brandon Nimmo followed with a double to plate two more to give the Mets the lead. Martinez gave up one more run in the fifth before his day was done. The 33-year-old right-hander struck out six. He’s currently lined up for a start against the Brewers in Cincinnati on Thursday.

He allowed six hits, including a CJ Abrams homer. Nick Lodolo isn’t far away, and Martinez will probably need to do better than this in order to avoid a trip to the bullpen once Lodolo is ready.

Martinez has been dealing with a strange rib issue throughout spring training, but it won’t impact his readiness for Opening Day. The 33-year-old free agent acquisition will open the season in Cincinnati’s starting rotation mix, but figures to move to relief at some point.

He’ll take his regular rest in-between starts before returning to his regular schedule in Cactus League play. The 33-year-old hurler has looked outstanding in his two big league outings this spring, firing five scoreless innings with a 0.60 WHIP and a 7/1 K/BB ratio. He remains an intriguing option in the final rounds of mixed league drafts, though he probably makes for a better streaming option away from Cincinnati.

It’s a bit of a strange injury as Martinez has been pitching through an ongoing rib issue throughout spring training, but it hasn’t impacted his on-field performance. The versatile 33-year-old righty figures to be ready for the outset of the season, but that likely won’t be decided until the very end of camp.