The Boston Red Sox activated veteran right-hander Chris Martin from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, according to a team release. Martin was placed on the IL with anxiety on June 5, retroactive to June 2. In a corresponding move, RHP Cooper Criswell was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. Criswell had a 4.15 ERA in 52 innings this season.
The #RedSox today announced the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/NCLI8OCEEW
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 18, 2024
Chris Martin Activated After IL Stint
Martin last appeared on May 30 for Boston. Chatter began soon after that the veteran could hit the injured list due to undisclosed reasons. The team confirmed the move just under a week later, with the cause being anxiety. Martin allowed four hits, three runs, and two homers in his last appearance against the Detroit Tigers before his quick stint. It was his 21st appearance of the season. Martin is one of five Red Sox players to be placed on the IL in June, joining Garrett Whitlock, Vaughn Grissom, Romy Gonzalez, and Wilyer Abreu.
The #RedSox today placed RHP Chris Martin on the 15-Day Injured List, retroactive to June 2, due to anxiety.
To fill his spot on the active roster, the club recalled RHP Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 5, 2024
Martin has pitched to a 4.22 ERA and 2-1 record in 2024. He began the season off strong, throwing a scoreless inning in each of his first four games. Martin had his first bump in the road on April 10, allowing four runs and taking the loss against the Baltimore Orioles. He ended the month with a 6.75 ERA in April and a 5.56 ERA overall. Martin was stronger in May before hitting the injured list. He allowed runs in just three of his 10 outings. Martin ended the month with a 2.70 ERA and 12 strikeouts.
Martin made one rehab appearance at Triple-A Worcester before his return. He pitched a scoreless inning and allowed one baserunner on June 16 against the Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A, Toronto Blue Jays).
Chris Martin was solid today in the first outing of his rehab stint.
His final line: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K.
— Jamie Gatlin (@JamieGatlin17) June 16, 2024
Red Sox Pitching Without Martin
Martin was mostly used as a setup man by the Red Sox this season. He pitched more than one inning just once in 2024. When Martin went down, 29-year-old Zack Kelly was called up from Triple-A Worcester to take his spot. It was Kelly’s second time reaching the bigs with Boston this campaign. In six June appearances, he did not surrender a run and struck out 12 opponents.
Since Martin landed on the injured list, Boston ranks 11th with a 3.79 team ERA. The Red Sox have recorded five saves over that time frame and have a record of 7-4. That included hard-fought series wins over the Philadelphia Phillies, who lead the National League in record, and the New York Yankees, who top the American League in the same category. Boston sits in the top 12 since June 5 in hits allowed. However, they rank fifth-worst in homers allowed.
Chris Martin’s MLB Career
Martin made his big-league debut in 2014 with the Colorado Rockies. Since then, he has played for six teams. Martin’s best season came in 2023 when he posted a 1.05 ERA in 51 ⅓ innings for Boston. This year is his seventh consecutive campaign with an ERA+ over 100. For his career, the right-hander has a 7.5 WAR, 3.42 ERA, and 12 saves.
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