​SAN DIEGO — Right-hander Justin Martinez could be throwing to hitters as soon as next week, according to Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, as the hard-throwing reliever continues a steady march back from elbow surgery with eyes set on a return to game action next month. Martinez has been steadily rebuilding after Tommy John surgery and has logged at least a dozen bullpen sessions, Lovullo said. He could face hitters in live batting practice for the first time early in the coming week. Following that live session, Martinez is expected to undergo another round of imaging, after which he could be cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment. “It depends on how the lives go,” Lovullo noted, using a lighthearted misnaming moment to describe live batting practice sessions. “I think there’s going to be a series of lives — how many, I’m not sure. But his return is sometime in August. It’s imminent. He’s charging very hard.” Lovullo added that Martinez has been consistently hitting the upper-90s with his fastball during these side sessions, underscoring the velocity and momentum behind his rehab.
Martinez was anticipated to be the third pitcher to come back from the injured list this season after elbow surgery, but both Corbin Burnes and A.J. Puk have encountered setbacks in their respective rehabs. “He comes in and brings unbelievable energy and he’s very eager to help us out,” Lovullo said. “He’s anxious to get into the back end of games and help us win baseball games.”
In other Diamondbacks news, out in San Diego, right-hander Zac Gallen took the mound with a 3-8 record and a 6.36 ERA, aiming to rebound against the Padres. He had previously surrendered six runs in 5 2/3 innings in a tough start against the Giants, a game that began well for him with four solid innings during which he retired 12 of 13 hitters, but he surrendered three runs in both the fifth and sixth frames to fuel the rough line. It has been a challenging stretch for Gallen, who has allowed 36 earned runs over his last 37 2/3 innings across seven starts. He has faced the Padres once this season, delivering three scoreless innings in Mexico City before exiting early after being hit on the right shoulder by a comebacker.
The Padres’ rotation news includes developments at the back end as well. In place of RHP Randy Vasquez, who landed on the injured list with a right ankle contusion, German Marquez has been part of the Padres’ plans, making seven appearances with six starts. His most recent outing came in relief, where he allowed two runs in three innings at Dodger Stadium.
The Diamondbacks have a three-game set with the Padres, calendarized as follows: On Wednesday, July 8, in San Diego at 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Jose Cabrera (0-1, 4.73) faces Padres RHP Michael King (5-7, 3.52). On Thursday, July 9, in San Diego at 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (6-8, 5.71) goes against Padres RHP Griffin Canning (1-6, 6.71). Then, on Friday, July 10, in Los Angeles at 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (7-3, 2.25) meets Padres RHP Shohei Ohtani (8-2, 1.79). This slate follows a brief note about the July 6 game at Petco Park, where Diamondbacks left fielder Max Kepler (22) hit a three-run homer off the Padres in the third inning, courtesy of Chadd Cady/Imagn Images.
The Arizona Republic’s Diamondbacks at Padres updates capture Martinez’s progress as he inches toward full participation. With his velocity and competitive drive, Martinez’s return could provide a significant boost to a club seeking steady bullpen support as it navigates the late stages of a rigorous schedule. As the rehab continues, the timeline remains fluid, but the expectation is clear: Martinez is moving closer to a postseason-ready reliever role, with ample incentive for Arizona to see him back in action as soon as August.