Young Diamondbacks reliever has become an X-factor

Making 10 appearances for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023 posting a 12.60 ERA in 10 innings pitched, reliever Justin Martinez has been one of the most underrated relief pitchers in the MLB in 2024.

With closer Paul Sewald struggling to finish off games for the defending National League champs, manager Torey Lovullo had tried giving the closing duties to reliever Ryan Thompson.

After a blown save by Thompson on Monday, Martinez was given his shot to close and didn't disappoint.

With the tying run on second base in extra innings, he got Cleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas to line out to right field. After intentionally walking third baseman Jose Ramirez, he struck out first baseman Josh Naylor and catcher David Fry with devastating pitches.

After another save versus the Guardians on Wednesday, Martinez is the hot hand that Lovullo should continue to ride.

Possessing a filthy slider to go with a 100-plus mph fastball, the 23-year-old right-hander has all the talent to be a dominant closer in the desert as the Diamondbacks fight to make a postseason run this season.

Martinez is currently 4-2 with two saves and a 1.97 ERA while striking out 61 batters in 50.1 innings pitched this season.

Getting a taste of the majors in 2023 has proven to be good for the young relief pitcher, even though he got hit around in his debut season.

If the Diamondbacks want to make a real push for the playoffs, having a consistent arm to turn to at the end of games will play a big role and Martinez has shown to be more than capable of filling it.

One of the hottest teams in baseball, the Diamondbacks sit only three-and-a-half games behind the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and are currently in command of a wild-card spot.