Arizona Diamondbacks Accelerate Return as Justin Martinez Shows Progress

Arizona Diamondbacks clinched a 0-8 victory over the San Diego Padres on July 7, 2026, moving to a .500 record (45‑45) and sitting 10th in the National League with a one‑game winning streak. Manager Torey Lovullo announced that right‑hander Justin Martinez could face live hitters as early as next week, signaling a fast‑track return from Tommy John surgery.

How is Justin Martinez progressing?

Lovullo said Martinez has completed at least a dozen bullpen sessions, consistently hitting the upper‑90s on his fastball. He may appear in live batting practice early next week, then undergo imaging before a possible minor‑league rehab assignment. "His return is sometime in August, but it's imminent," Lovullo added, noting Martinez’s energy and eagerness to help in the back end of games.

What does the recent loss reveal about the pitching staff?

Zac Gallen (3‑8, 6.36 ERA) struggled in his last start, surrendering six runs in 5⅔ innings against the Giants, extending a rough stretch of 36 earned runs over his past seven outings. Gallen’s previous encounter with the Padres in Mexico City was solid—three scoreless innings before a shoulder injury forced an early exit. Meanwhile, A.J. Puk and Corbin Burnes have hit setbacks in their own rehab timelines, leaving the bullpen thin and heightening the need for Martinez’s return.

How does the upcoming schedule affect the Diamondbacks?

The club heads back to San Diego on July 8, 2026, with Martinez’s potential debut looming. Starting pitcher Jose Cabrera (0‑1, 4.73 ERA) will take the mound against Michael King (5‑7, 3.52 ERA). A win would push the Diamondbacks above .500 and could spark momentum ahead of a road trip that includes a series against the Dodgers, where Eduardo Rodríguez (7‑3, 2.25 ERA) is slated to face Shohei Ohtani.

Why does Martinez’s timeline matter for Phoenix?

Phoenix fans have watched the bullpen wobble all season, and a healthy Martinez could restore depth to the late‑inning arsenal. His fastball velocity and fireballing style offer a contrast to the club’s current reliance on contact pitching. If he returns in August as projected, the Diamondbacks could solidify a rotation that has struggled to stay below a 6.00 ERA, improving their chances of climbing out of the NL’s lower tier.

What are the broader implications for the season?

A 0-8 win at Petco Park shows the team can capitalize on opponent mistakes, but inconsistent pitching remains a hurdle. With the club perched at 45‑45, each game now carries extra weight. Martinez’s progress, combined with steadying performances from Gallen and Cabrera, could be the catalyst needed to push the Diamondbacks into playoff contention before the September stretch.