If the Arizona Diamondbacks were holding out hope that their injured relievers could eventually return to provide a boost to the bullpen. But that thinking took a hit with word that right-hander Justin Martinez will undergo season-ending elbow surgery and lefty A.J. Puk has paused his throwing program and will be examined by a top orthopedic surgeon.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo revealed both developments on Friday, June 13, prior to his team’s series opener against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field.
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This will be Martinez’s second reconstruction of his ulnar collateral ligament; he had Tommy John surgery in 2021 during his minor league career.
Whether Martinez has another traditional Tommy John surgery or a so-called internal brace procedure — the latter often allows pitchers to come back sooner than the 12-to-18 month timeline for Tommy John — has yet to be determined. Martinez needs to let the swelling diminish in his elbow before a decision on that can be made, a source said.
Either way, Martinez is finished for this year and will miss at least a large chunk of the 2026 season, as well.
The fact that Martinez needs surgery comes as little surprise. He called for a trainer after throwing a pitch during an outing earlier in the week. He was said to be seeking multiple opinions after undergoing an MRI exam, and Lovullo told reporters a few days ago that he and Martinez had a teary-eyed conversation in his office, suggesting the tear was significant.
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Puk had been working his way back from a flexor strain in his elbow, gradually building up the distance of his throws over the past several weeks. However, Lovullo said that stopped in recent days because Puk continued to experience discomfort.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) reacts after defeating the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field in Phoenix on April 27, 2025.
“He’s been nursing some bumps and bruises, some slight discomfort,” Lovullo said. “Just being honest with us. He wanted to continue throwing through it, but I think it got to the point where he was a little curious about it and wanted to see (Dr. Neal) ElAttrache. He’s going to see him in person (in Los Angeles).”
ElAttrache is the same surgeon who performed right-hander Corbin Burnes’ Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, June 11.
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Like Martinez, Puk has a history of elbow issues. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018.
The Diamondbacks bullpen has struggled to find its footing in the absence of both pitchers. The unit has a 5.21 ERA, ranking fourth worst in the majors, ahead of only the Angels (5.54), Nationals (5.70) and Athletics (6.04).
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks’ Martinez needs surgery amid Puk concerns