Braves right-hander Chris Martin pitched for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers on Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C. Martin has been sidelined over a month with right-shoulder inflammation.
The veteran allowed two runs on two hits in two-thirds of an inning of the 9-6 loss. He threw 18 pitches (14 strikes) to Knights batters. Martin is scheduled to pitch again Saturday for the Stripers. If all goes well, he could rejoin the Braves next week.
“He felt good, finished strong,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’ll do another one Saturday and we’ll evaluate that afterwards.”
Martin is a true command artist and vital piece of the Braves’ bullpen. He’s appeared in only two games this season, most recently pitching April 4. It will be a massive boost for the reliever group when Martin is inserted into the later innings again.
Since the Braves acquired him from Texas on July 30, 2019, Martin has been immensely valuable. He owns a 2.65 ERA with a 43:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 41 games.
