The Boston Red Sox were hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. Carlos Martinez had once been one of the better young starters in the game during his time with the Cardinals before turning into a solid closer. However, injuries ruined the past two years, leaving him to have to accept minor league offers.
His stint in the Red Sox organization lasted for less than two weeks. The Red Sox released Martinez on Tuesday, just ten days after he was signed.
Boston Red Sox had seen enough of Carlos Martinez
If Martinez was healthy, there were openings with the Red Sox at the major league level. They have struggled to find dependable arms in rotation and bullpen, giving the former All Star multiple avenues to make an impact once again. He just needed to show that he could be a somewhat competent pitcher at Triple-A in order for that to happen.
Instead, Martinez was utterly atrocious. He allowed ten runs on nine hits and three walks in 41 innings over his two starts, striking out four. At that point, the Red Sox did not need to see anything more and let him go.
It is fair to wonder what is next for Martinez. It is also fair to wonder if he is actually healthy, as he never pitched with the Giants organization after signing a minor league deal with them previously. He had been recovering from the thumb injury that ended his 2021 season and still was not ready to take the mound.
Chances are, some team will take a chance on Martinez. He will likely get another minor league deal as that team hopes that he will find his form once more. One thing is certain however – his return to the majors will not happen with the Red Sox.
Carlos Martinez lasted less than two weeks in the Boston Red Sox organization. That was all the time they needed to see that he had nothing left.