Chris Martin (baseball)

Last updated

15+23 innings for Colorado, recording a 6.89 ERA while striking out 14 and allowing 22 hits, [18] before the Rockies demoted Martin to Colorado Springs in June. [5] He pitched the rest of the season for Colorado Springs, where he had a 4.39 ERA. [19]

During the 2014–15 offseason, the Rockies agreed to sign Nick Hundley. The Rockies designated Martin for assignment on January 5, 2015, in order to remove him from their 40-man roster, so that the Rockies could sign Hundley. [20]

New York Yankees (2015)

The Rockies traded Martin to the New York Yankees on January 13, 2015, receiving cash considerations. [21] Martin competed for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen in spring training, and was named to the Yankees' Opening Day roster. [22]

Martin pitching for the Yankees on October 3, 2015 Chris Martin (21734218180).jpg
Martin pitching for the Yankees on October 3, 2015

On April 28, 2015, Martin recorded his first career save in a 4–2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. [23] Martin began the season with a 0–1 record and a 3.55 ERA in 12+23 innings pitched across 15 appearances, before he went on the disabled list on May 9 due to tendinitis in his right elbow. [24] [25] The Yankees activated Martin from the disabled list on May 31, and optioned him to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the International League. [26] The Yankees recalled Martin from the minor leagues on June 11 to fill in for the injured Andrew Miller, [27] and optioned him back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 19. [28] He finished the 2015 season with a 0–2 record and a 5.66 ERA in 24 games pitched for the Yankees. [29]

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (20162017)

After the 2015 season, the Yankees sold the contractual rights to Martin to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball's Pacific League for $750,000. [29] At the time, he had a career 6.19 ERA in 36+13 innings in MLB and a .318 batting average against. [30] [31]

Martin succeeded Hirotoshi Masui in the role of closing pitcher for the Fighters in 2016. He made the Pacific League All-Star team, [32] but injured his ankle in September. Martin missed the end of the regular season [33] and the 2016 Japan Series, [34] which the Fighters won. He finished the 2016 season with a 1.07 ERA and 21 saves. [35] He appeared in 52 games, which was a personal single-season best. [36]

The Fighters re-signed Martin for the 2017 season for ¥100 million (approximately US$891,535). [35] He had a 1.19 ERA in 40 appearances with the Fighters in 2017. [30] [36] Between his two seasons in Japan, Martin struck out 91 batters and walked 13 in 88+13 innings. [30] He credited his time with Hokkaido for helping him learn how to prepare himself between appearances with less input from coaches. [36] He also learned how to throw a split-finger fastball from teammate Shohei Ohtani. [31]

Texas Rangers (20182019)

On December 15, 2017, Martin signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Texas Rangers. [37] He recorded a 4.54 ERA in 41+23 innings pitched in 2018. [38] After the 2018 season, Martin represented MLB in the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series from November 8–15. [39] When Rangers' closer Shawn Kelley went on the injured list in May 2019, Martin filled in for him. [40] Martin and José Leclerc received save opportunities when Kelley was injured in July. [41] For the Rangers in 2019, Martin had a 3.08 ERA in 38 appearances; from May 24 to July 30, he had a 1.45 ERA. [42]

Atlanta Braves (20192021)

On July 30, the day before the 2019 trade deadline, the Rangers traded Martin to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Kolby Allard. [42] On September 11, Martin pitched an immaculate inning in the bottom of the seventh against the Philadelphia Phillies. [43] He had a 4.08 ERA with Atlanta in 20 games after the trade, finishing the season with a 3.40 ERA and four saves in 58 total appearances. [44] The Braves included Martin on their roster for the 2019 National League Division Series, but he injured an oblique muscle while warming up in Game 1 and was removed from the roster. [45]

A free agent after the 2019 season, Martin re-signed with Atlanta on a two-year contract worth $14 million on November 19. [46] [47] In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he pitched to a 1.00 ERA in 19 relief appearances spanning 18 innings. In 2021, Martin had a 3.95 ERA in 46 relief appearances. [2] During the 2021 postseason, Martin had a 2.08 ERA in five appearances as the Braves won the 2021 World Series. [48]

Chicago Cubs (2022)

On March 17, 2022, Martin signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth $2.5 million, with additional achievable incentives. [48] Martin appeared in 34 games for the Cubs, recording a 4.31 ERA in 31+13 innings. He recorded a 3.29 ERA in his appearances after June 17. [49]

Los Angeles Dodgers (2022)

On July 30, 2022, the Cubs traded Martin to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Zach McKinstry. [50] He pitched 24+23 innings over 26 games and finished 3–1 with a 1.46 ERA. [51]

Boston Red Sox (2023–present)

On December 8, 2022, Martin signed a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. [52] He started the 2023 season as a member of Boston's bullpen, and spent two weeks during the second half of April on the injured list. [53] Martin served as an effective reliever for the Red Sox, posting a 4–1 record with a 1.05 ERA in 55 appearances before being placed on the injured list on September 28 due to a viral infection. [54]

Pitching style

Martin is listed at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg). [55] He throws a fastball that averages 95 miles per hour (153 km/h). [6] [56] He also throws a slider, a splitter, and a cut fastball. [55]

Personal life

Martin is the youngest of four children born to Connie and Matt Martin. His three older siblings, Crystal, Jonathan, and Shannon, all played baseball or softball when they were growing up. Crystal played softball at the collegiate level for the Texas A&M Aggies as their shortstop, and was named an All-Big 12 Conference selection during her collegiate career. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Lowe</span> American baseball player (born 1973)

Derek Christopher Lowe is an American former professional baseball pitcher. During his career, he played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sparky Lyle</span> American baseball player

Albert Walter "Sparky" Lyle is an American professional baseball pitcher who spent sixteen seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1967 through 1982. He was a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Capuano</span> American baseball player (born 1978)

Christopher Frank Capuano is an American former professional baseball pitcher whose professional playing career spanned from 2000 through 2016. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees, and was an All Star in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Bard</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Daniel Paul Bard is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Boston Red Sox from 2009 to 2013. In 2011, Bard set a Red Sox team record with 25 consecutive scoreless appearances. His highest velocity pitch was 102 miles per hour (164 km/h). In subsequent years, Bard experienced a loss of control over his pitches, derailing his playing career. After pitching in only two major league games in 2013, he played for several minor league teams before retiring in 2017 to become a player mentor. In 2020, Bard returned as a player after regaining his control, earned a spot on the Rockies' MLB roster, and went on to win the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award as their closing pitcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Octavio Dotel</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1973)

Octavio Eduardo Dotel Diaz is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. Dotel played for 13 major league teams, the second most teams played for by any player in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB), setting the mark when he pitched for the Detroit Tigers on April 7, 2012, breaking a record previously held by Mike Morgan, Matt Stairs, and Ron Villone. Edwin Jackson broke this record in 2019. Dotel's longest tenure with any one team was the five seasons he spent with the Houston Astros.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramón Ramírez (Dominican pitcher)</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1981)

Ramón Emilio Ramírez is a Dominican former relief pitcher. He pitched for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Grilli</span> American baseball player (born 1976)

Jason Michael Grilli is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers. Taken as the fourth overall selection of the 1997 MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants, Grilli was one of the top starting pitcher prospects in all of Minor League Baseball, ranked 54th in 1998 and 44th in 1999. The Giants traded him to the Florida Marlins in 1999, for whom he debuted on May 11, 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Masset</span> American baseball player (born 1982)

Nicholas Allen Masset is an American former professional baseball pitcher, who played for the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins, and Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He attended Pinellas Park High School.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg Smith (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Gregory Thomas Smith is a former American professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics and the Colorado Rockies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Robertson (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

David Alan Robertson, nicknamed "D-Rob", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Miami Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesse Chavez</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Jesse David Chavez is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at Riverside Community College, and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. He has previously played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and Chicago Cubs, in addition to three other stints with the Braves, one of which included a World Series win in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Melancon</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Mark David Melancon is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Melancon was drafted by the New York Yankees in the ninth round of the 2006 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2009. He led the National League in saves in 2015, and won the Trevor Hoffman Award that year. Melancon was an MLB All-Star in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jhoulys Chacín</span> American-Venezuelan baseball player (born 1988)

Jhoulys Jose Chacín Molina is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball pitcher for the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League. He has previously played for the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Ottavino</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Adam Robert Ottavino is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. Listed at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and 246 pounds (112 kg), he throws right-handed and is a switch hitter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Carpenter (baseball, born 1985)</span> American baseball player

Darrell David Carpenter is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and Texas Rangers. He is currently the manager of the West Virginia Black Bears of the MLB Draft League and the pitching coach of the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Eovaldi</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Nathan Edward Eovaldi is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. Eovaldi made his MLB debut in 2011. He was a World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2018 and the Rangers in 2023 and has been selected as an All-Star in 2021 and 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucas Luetge</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Lucas Lester Luetge is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Bettis</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1989)

Chad Robert Bettis is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies. He made his MLB debut in 2013. Prior to playing professionally, he attended Texas Tech University, where he played college baseball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gonzalez Germen</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1987)

Gonzalez Germán Germen Figao is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Colorado Rockies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shane Greene</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1988)

Shane Greene is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization. He has previously played in MLB for the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. The Yankees selected Greene in the 15th round of the 2009 MLB draft. After Greene made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2014, he was traded to the Tigers before the 2015 season. Greene was an All-Star in 2019.

References

  1. "High School Baseball All-Star Teams". Plainview Daily Herald . Associated Press. June 14, 2004. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Everything to know about the Braves reliever". WXIA-TV. October 30, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  3. Fraley, Gerry (May 5, 2014). "Texas Rangers could face appliance store worker". Dallas Morning News . Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  4. 1 2 Chen, Albert (May 19, 2014). "Albert Chen: Chris Martin's remarkable journey from warehouses to MLB bullpens". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 DiPietro, Lou (January 14, 2015). "Chris Martin's long baseball road has gone from warehouse to Ruth's house". YES Network . Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Marshall, Ashley (January 7, 2015). "Former Colorado Rockies right-hander Chris Martin refused to give up on his childhood dream". MiLB.com. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  7. Henry, John (May 7, 2014). "Arlington High grad returns as real-life Rockie story". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Renck, Troy E. (March 6, 2014). "How Chris Martin, a hard-working warehouse employee, became a Rockies bullpen candidate". The Denver Post . Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  9. Jennings, Chad (February 12, 2015). "Chris Martin: From the warehouse to the Yankees". LoHud Yankees Blog. The Journal News . Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  10. Fraley, Gerry (May 6, 2014). "Rags-to-riches: Rockies pitcher just five years removed from warehouse job in Arlington". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  11. Tucker, Tim (August 3, 2019). "How Chris Martin went from a job at Lowe's to the Braves' bullpen". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  12. Forde, Craig (May 21, 2013). "Chris Martin, from warehouse to clubhouse". Boston Globe . Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  13. 1 2 Thomas, Kevin (April 27, 2012). "On Baseball: Warehouse, to showing his wares". The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  14. Edes, Gordon (December 18, 2013). "Franklin Morales dealt to Rockies". ESPN. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  15. "Rockies acquire LHP Franklin Morales and RHP Chris Martin" (Press release). Major League Baseball. December 18, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  16. 1 2 Harding, Thomas (April 25, 2014). "Reliever Martin reaches big leagues for first time". Major League Baseball . Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  17. Paisley, Joe (April 10, 2014). "Warehouse worker turned Sky Sox reliever, Chris Martin, relishes second chance in pro baseball". The Gazette . Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  18. McCarron, Anthony (January 14, 2015). "Yankees intrigued by the potential of righty reliever Chris Martin: The newest Yankee reliever was acquired Tuesday from the Rockies for cash. His path to the big leagues has taken him through jobs at UPS, Lowe's and Texas Appliance, in and out of independent ball, and past a serious shoulder injury". New York Daily News . Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  19. Saunders, Patrick (January 13, 2015). "Rockies trade RHP Chris Martin to Yankees for cash". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  20. "Nick Hundley and Rockies finalize $6.25 million, 2-year deal". ESPN. Associated Press. January 5, 2015. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  21. Hoch, Brian (January 13, 2015). "Yankees acquire righty Martin from Rockies". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on October 8, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  22. Mello, Igor (April 4, 2015). "Report: Chris Martin awarded a spot in Yankees' bullpen". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  23. Wise, Brandon. "Yankees reliever Chris Martin earns first save of the year". fantasynews.cbssports.com. CBS Sports Fantasy News. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  24. Guardado, Maria (May 9, 2015). "Yankees place Chris Martin on 15-day disabled list". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  25. "Yankees place Martin on DL". Belleville News-Democrat . The Sports Network. May 9, 2015. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  26. "Yankees activate Chris Martin, option him to Triple-A". CBSSports.com. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  27. "Yankees request reinforcements, call up Chris Martin, Mason Williams". The Star-Ledger. June 11, 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  28. Hatch, Ryan (June 19, 2015). "Yankees transactions: Chris Martin optioned, Bryan Mitchell and Branden Pinder called up". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  29. 1 2 "Yankees Sell Right-Hander Martin's Contract Rights To Japanese Team". CBS New York. Associated Press. November 5, 2015. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  30. 1 2 3 Wilson, Jeff (December 15, 2017). "The Chris Martin Story, far from over, keeps getting better". Star-Telegram. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  31. 1 2 Grand, Evan (December 15, 2017). "How Chris Martin's signing by the Rangers was 'a dream come true'". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  32. Allen, Jim (October 2, 2016). "Fighters used improved pitching, defense to capture Pacific League pennant". Japan Times Online. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  33. "Fighters closer Martin sidelined with ankle sprain". Japan Times Online. September 6, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  34. "Carp, Fighters fired up for Japan Series opener". Japan Times Online. October 21, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  35. 1 2 "Fighters retain pitchers Mendoza, Martin". Japan Times Online. November 25, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  36. 1 2 3 Allen, Jim (November 10, 2018). "Baseball: Former Fighters pitcher Martin credits critical Japan lessons". Kyodo News. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  37. Sullivan, T. R. (December 15, 2017). "Rangers sign reliever Martin to two-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  38. Coskrey, Jason (November 10, 2018). "Rangers pitcher Chris Martin happy to return to Japan with MLB All-Stars". The Japan Times Online.
  39. "MLB announces roster for All-Star Tour in Japan". MLB.com. October 29, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  40. "6 key questions surrounding the Rangers". MLB.com .
  41. "Rangers place closer Shawn Kelley on 10-day injured list". Yahoo Sports . Associated Press. July 22, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  42. 1 2 Mark Bowman (July 31, 2019). "Braves land reliever Martin from Rangers". MLB.com . Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  43. Paul Casella (September 12, 2019). "Martin throws Braves' fifth immaculate inning". MLB.com . Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  44. Butler, Alex (November 20, 2019). "Braves bulk up bullpen, re-sign pitcher Chris Martin". United Press International. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  45. "Oblique injury sidelines Atlanta Braves reliever Chris Martin". ESPN.com . October 3, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  46. Casella, Paul (November 19, 2019). "Reliever Martin signs 2-year deal with Braves". MLB.com . Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  47. "Reliever Chris Martin back with Braves on 2-year, $14 million deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 19, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  48. 1 2 Bastian, Jordan (March 15, 2022). "Cubs add righty reliever Martin on 1-yr deal". MLB.com. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  49. Stebbins, Tim (July 30, 2022). "Cubs' selloff begins with trade of Martin to Dodgers". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  50. "Los Angeles Dodgers trade for Chicago Cubs reliever Chris Martin". ESPN.com. July 30, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
  51. "Chris Martin Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  52. Browne, Ian (December 8, 2022). "Red Sox agree to 2-year deal with reliever Martin". mlb.com. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  53. "Red Sox reinstate RHP Chris Martin from 15-Day injured list; club options RHP Kaleb Ort to Triple-A Worcester". MLB.com (Press release). Boston Red Sox. April 30, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  54. "Red Sox put RHP Martin on IL with viral infection, ending year". ESPN.com. AP. September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  55. 1 2 Hatch, Ryan (April 9, 2015). "Yankees pitcher Chris Martin becoming Joe Girardi's first go-to reliever". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  56. "Chris Martin goes from appliance warehouse to Yankees' bullpen". Newsday . Associated Press. February 7, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
Chris Martin
Chris Martin on June 18, 2015.jpg
Martin with the New York Yankees in 2015
Boston Red Sox – No. 55
Pitcher
Born: (1986-06-02) June 2, 1986 (age 37)
Arlington, Texas, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Professional debut
MLB: April 26, 2014, for the Colorado Rockies
NPB: March 26, 2016, for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters