Martinez Nears Big League Bullpen Mix
For years, righthander Justin Martinez has been seen as a tantalizing but far away prospect in the D-backs’ system. All he needed was a few months to shed that “far away” descriptor.
Martinez returned from Tommy John surgery in July, then marched through the top three levels of the system before finishing strong in the Arizona Fall League.
The 21-year-old Martinez, who was added to Arizona’s 40-man roster in November, has a triple-digit fastball, a wipe-out splitter and a developing slider, and he might be an option for the club’s bullpen.
“I don’t see any reasons why he can’t make an appearance in Arizona sometime next year,” said Shane Loux, who was the 6-foot-3, 180-pound Martinez’s pitching coach in 2022 at Double-A Amarillo.
Martinez showed not just big-time stuff this year but also poise.
“The moment never seems too big,” Loux said. “One thing I tried to press and pound into him is when you can strike people out, you’re never really in a jam.”
The ability to miss bats gives Martinez a leg up when it comes to competing for a job in Arizona, where the bullpen has been severely lacking in power arms for years.
Martinez, a 2018 international signee from the Dominican Republic, does not have great command or control, nor does he have notable ride on his fastball.
He found success by pitching backward, throwing his splitter early in counts before blowing his fastball by hitters with two strikes.
Better fastball command would open up more avenues for attack, Loux said, as would the ability to consistently throw his slider for strikes.
—NICK PIECORO
Shewmake Seems Like A Perfect Utility Fit
In November, the Braves protected three players from the Rule 5 draft, the most notable of whom was shortstop Braden Shewmake.
The Texas A&M product was a first-round selection in 2019, billed as someone who would ascend quickly into a major league-caliber utility player. His calling card was defense and speed.
Shewmake’s second full minor league season was limited to 76 games for Triple-A Gwinnett before he collided with teammate Travis Demeritte on Aug. 6. He suffered a ligament tear in his left knee that ended his season. He’s expected to be ready for spring training.
Shewmake hit .259/.316/.399 with seven home runs and nine stolen bases. It was a step forward offensively, but he has not shown any sizable growth that would make one reassess his ceiling.
The power the Braves hoped would develop hasn’t yet popped. Shewmake has 22 homers in 849 minor league at-bats.
Shewmake turned 25 in November. He’s a college product with a nearly full season in Triple-A behind him, and it seems utilityman was an appropriate label.
Those who know Shewmake have raved about his baseball acumen. Braves manager has cited
