Justin Martinez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Friday that they reinstated right-handed reliever Justin Martinez (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Christian Montes De Oca to Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move. Martinez last pitched in the big leagues on April 30 but was shut down with inflammation in his right shoulder. With lefty A.J. Puk (elbow) still on the shelf, the 23-year-old high-leverage relief arm should see most of the team's save opportunities moving forward now that he's back. He tossed two scoreless innings on his minor-league rehab assignment, with the most important news being the fact that he reached 101.1 mph with his sinker at Triple-A Reno. Even if the D-backs ease Martinez back into closing situations after his IL stint, he should eventually be the favorite for saves, at least until Puk is able to return.

The Arizona Republic's Jose M. Romero writes that Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed reliever Justin Martinez (shoulder) could come off the injured list as soon as Friday's series opener in St. Louis against the Cardinals. Manager Torey Lovullo said as much after Wednesday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Martinez hit 100 mph or more five times during his 13-pitch minor-league rehab appearance with Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, which is a great sign that he's past his right-shoulder inflammation. Before landing on the IL, his velocity had dropped into the mid-90s. Martinez has been on the IL since May 1 and is eligible to be activated at any time. With lefty A.J. Puk (elbow) still on the shelf, Martinez will be in line for primary closing duties in Arizona when he returns, so he should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed reliever Justin Martinez (shoulder) will face live hitters on Wednesday and throw somewhere around 15 to 18 pitches, according to manager Torey Lovullo. It comes after Martinez said his first bullpen session on Sunday went "real well." Barring a setback once he starts facing live hitters this week, the 23-year-old is expected to return when he's eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on Friday, May 16, which means he likely won't be sent out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The D-backs put Martinez on the shelf in the beginning of May due to right-shoulder inflammation. With lefty A.J. Puk (elbow) quite a ways behind Martinez in his recovery from an elbow injury, Martinez should assume primary closing duties in the desert when he returns to Arizona's bullpen. Before his injury, he had three saves and 11 K's in 10 innings of work.