Diamondbacks Bullpen Takes Hit With Injury to Hard-Throwing Closer

Headed into the season, the Arizona Diamondbacks were supposed to have a bit of a co-closer situation with right-hander Justin Martinez and left-hander AJ Puk.

Both would spend time closing games and it was mapped out to be a nice way to let both pitchers get work in high-leverage situations. That has not quite panned out, as both are now on the injured list just 30 games into the season.

According to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, Arizona has placed Martinez on the 15-day IL with shoulder fatigue. It is the second occurrence of shoulder fatigue this season for Martinez and this time, it has landed the right-hander on the injured list.

Martinez was putting together a solid start to the season, as he has an ERA of 2.70 with 11 strikeouts and three saves across 10 innings and 12 appearances. He allowed a run in back-to-back appearances for the first time this year in his two most recent appearance before heading to the IL.

Martinez's fastball average fastball velocity has dropped from over 100mph on opening day to just 93.5 mph in his most recent outing against the Mets. He and Puk are now both on the IL, with Puk being on the 60-day due to a flexor strain in his left elbow.

Arizona's bullpen has struggled a bit this season, ranking 21st in bullpen ERA at 4.50 and with the injuries to high-leverage relievers, it will now get even more difficult. The Diamondbacks will need someone to step up and take over the closer role until Martinez is able to return.

That could be someone internal like a Shelby Miller or Kevin Ginkel. Arizona could also go external and sign free agent reliever David Robertson to fill the void while Martinez and Puk recover from injury. Either way, the days and games without Martinez in the bullpen will be a crucial stretch for the Diamondbacks.

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