Reds' Nick Martinez: Takes loss as primary pitcher
Rotowire
Martinez (2-4) was the losing pitcher in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Guardians. He allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings.
The last two times Martinez was used in a bullpen game, he had authored 9.1 scoreless innings (both against the Dodgers), but it wouldn't be the same Tuesday. He followed opener Brent Suter and, initially, it looked like Martinez would last longer than five outs. The right-hander needed just six pitches in a 1-2-3 second inning, but the bottom third of Cleveland's lineup got to him in the third. He issued a 10-pitch walk to Brayan Rocchio leading off the inning, followed by a double and a nine-pitch Steven Kwan single that produced two runs. Two more singles plated a third run, and Martinez was done after 39 pitches.
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Reds' Nick Martinez: Should work behind Suter on Tuesday
Rotowire
Martinez is expected to operate as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen behind opener Brett Suter in Tuesday's game against the Guardians, Greg Kuffner of SI.com reports.
Martinez looks poised to fill the open spot in the rotation that was created when Graham Ashcraft was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. Though he's previously made five starts this season, Martinez has been roughed up by opposing hitters to the tune of a .348/.378/.527 slash line across 25.2 innings. Martinez has been far more effective when working in relief (.141/.158/.239 opponent's slash line in 26.2 innings), so the Reds will keep him in the bullpen Tuesday with the hope of coaxing better results from him. The right-hander should be capable of offering plenty of length behind Suter, as he hasn't pitched since Friday, when he needed just 11 pitches to retire the side during an appearance against the Cubs.
Martinez (2-3) allowed one hit over 4.1 scoreless innings to earn the victory Sunday against the Dodgers. He struck out three.
Martinez followed Brent Suter, who faced three batters and served as the opener, tossing 64 pitches while working through the fifth to pick up his second victory of the season. Martinez has now earned both of his wins this season against the Dodgers in similar fashion. Ten days ago, Martinez worked five innings of relief and allowed one baserunner while earning the win in LA, then pulled off the same feat over 4.1 innings Sunday. With Nick Lodolo (groin) slated to return to the rotation Monday, Martinez looks primed to return to his usual long-relief role.
Martinez (1-3) took the loss Wednesday as the Reds were downed 7-3 by the Padres, coughing up five runs on eight hits and a walk over 4.2 innings. He struck out two.
Making his fifth start of the season, Martinez served up a leadoff homer to Luis Arraez that proved to be a bad omen for the rest of the game as he lasted only 66 pitches (40 strikes) before getting the hook. The right-hander has been volatile in a swingman role for Cincy, posting a 4.81 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB through 43 innings, but with Nick Lodolo (groin) set to rejoin the rotation Monday, Martinez should be headed back to the bullpen.
Martinez is listed as the Reds' probable starter for Wednesday's game against the Padres in Cincinnati.
After Nick Lodolo (groin) went on the injured list, Martinez stepped into the vacant rotation spot last week in Los Angeles. He was deployed in bulk relief behind opener Brent Suter in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Dodgers, tossing five shutout innings while allowing one hit and no walks. Barring a late change of plans from manager David Bell, Martinez looks poised to operate as a traditional starter Wednesday, and he should have a higher innings ceiling as a result.
Martinez (1-2) earned the win over the Dodgers on Thursday, pitching five shutout innings in relief while allowing one hit and striking out four.
Martinez relieved Justin Wilson to open the bottom of the third and proceeded to retire 15 of the 16 batters he faced while generating 12 swings and misses. Martinez has been outstanding in a relief role and carries a 0.87 ERA to go along with a 9:2 K:BB through 10.1 innings in May over four appearances.
Martinez is expected to operate as a bulk reliever behind opener Brent Suter in Thursday's game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Martinez has made four starts this season, but because he'll be available on only three days' rest after recorded four outs of the bullpen in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Giants, the Reds will deploy him in bulk relief Thursday in what would have been Nick Lodolo's (groin) turn in the rotation. With Lodolo on 15-day injured list and set to miss at least two weeks, Martinez could move into a more traditional starting role when that spot in the rotation comes up again next week.
Martinez is a candidate to start or work in bulk relief in Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Nick Lodolo (groin) was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, leaving an opening in the rotation for Thursday. Unless the Reds choose to bring aboard a starter from the minors, Martinez would be the likely to choice to cover the bulk of the innings Thursday. He would be available on three days' rest after he had a 1.1-inning relief appearance Sunday. He remains relatively stretched out, having made four starts for the Reds this season, with the last one coming April 30.
