Call to the pen
Fansided

Boston Red Sox decision on Carlos Martinez makes even more sense

By David Hill

Jun 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (18) reacts after giving up a hit during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (18) reacts after giving up a hit during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox were hoping that Carlos Martinez would be a part of the solution. He had once been a solid young pitcher, a two time All Star as a starter before converting to the bullpen where he had a strong season as a closer. As the Red Sox need help in both areas, they were hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

Those hopes lasted for all of two appearances at Triple-A. Martinez struggled in those outings, prompting the Red Sox to release him from his minor league deal just over a week after he was signed.

Boston Red Sox may have had other reasons to move on from Carlos Martinez

It turns out that the Red Sox may have had other reasons than performance for their decision to walk away. Martinez was handed an 80 game suspension after he tested positive for Ibutamoren, a substance that increases human growth hormone.

Martinez had missed the last part of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 due to a torn ligament in the thumb of his pitching hand. He had actually signed with the Giants in the offseason, but was released before ever throwing a pitch as he was not going to be added to the major league roster.

That led to his chance in the Red Sox organization. They had to know that it would take time for Martinez to return to form, although allowing ten runs on nine hits and three walks over 4.1 innings while striking out four was likely far worse than they expected. However, it was going to take time before he would be ready to contribute.

It is now fair to wonder if Martinez will be able to contribute at all in 2022. Any team that signs him will not only have to navigate his suspension but will need to work to get him back in pitching shape. By the time that happens, the season may well be over.

This does lead to an interesting possibility. A team could look to sign Martinez to the somewhat rare two year minor league deal, allowing him to get through his suspension and work to find himself on the mound once again. With a normal offseason and perhaps some time in Winter Ball, he could be ready to contribute in 2023.

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The Boston Red Sox were quick to walk away from Carlos Martinez. His suspension for a failed PED test could be a part of the reason.

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