Diamondbacks' Martinez Out, Miller Likely New Closer

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez is expected to miss 12 to 13 months after suffering a serious UCL sprain in his right elbow, with the potential to miss all of 2026 if Tommy John surgery is required. Martinez sustained the injury on June 9 and is seeking a second medical opinion before deciding on surgery. This injury comes after Martinez signed a five-year, $18 million contract extension in March and marks his second major elbow injury following Tommy John surgery in 2021. The Diamondbacks now have eight pitchers on the injured list, including four out for the season with UCL injuries such as Corbin Burnes and Jordan Montgomery. Shelby Miller is likely to assume the closer role in Martinez's absence. The team, already navigating a deep pitching injury crisis, faces further challenges as it competes for a postseason berth.