Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez is undergoing Tommy John surgery, skipper Torey Lovullo confirmed to Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Friday.
“It’s official, he’s going to be done for the season,” Lovullo said. “(The timing of the surgery) is TBD. Some of the swelling has just got to subside in that right elbow before they can go in there and accurately see things the way they need to see them.
“It’s another big blow for this team, but I’m proud of the way the guys have been fighting. We’ve kind of been sitting on this news and it wasn’t totally official until about an hour and a half ago. This team has been tough. We’re gritty, we’re true Arizonans. … We find a way to get it done and now that’s going to be our mindset.”
The news comes after Lovullo told MLB Network radio that Martinez would be out an extended period of time.
Martinez left Arizona’s 8-4 win over Seattle on Monday after experiencing elbow tightness. He went 0.2 innings and gave up an earned run and a walk. He struck out a pair.
He was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day with the UCL sprain. It marks his second stint on the IL after dealing with right shoulder inflammation in early May.
Across 17 games played (15.1 innings pitched) this season, Martinez sported a 4.11 ERA and 1.239 WHIP. He earned five saves, walked 12 and struck out 22.
Martinez inked a five-year contract extension worth $18 million this past March.
