The Diamondbacks' 2025 season is rocked as closer Justin Martinez is out for Tommy John surgery. Gabriel Moreno also hits the IL. How will Arizona respond?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a brutal Friday for the Diamondbacks even before the first pitch was thrown in Colorado. The team confirmed the news every fan and player dreaded: closer Justin Martinez will undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his 2025 season and sidelining him for a significant portion of 2026. For a .500 club fighting to find its footing, losing a key bullpen weapon is a gut punch.
The team described the news as 'awful,' but remains focused on staying competitive despite the loss.
The loss of Justin Martinez cannot be overstated. After emerging as a dominant force at the back end of the bullpen, his season is now over due to a torn UCL, requiring the dreaded Tommy John surgery. The recovery timeline is long, typically 12-18 months, meaning the D-backs will have to navigate the rest of this season and much of the next without their closer. The front office called the news 'awful,' a sentiment echoed throughout the clubhouse and fanbase. The question now becomes who will step up to fill those high-leverage innings as the team tries to stay in the hunt.
As if the Martinez news wasn't enough, the D-backs also made a move to address an injury behind the plate. Starting catcher Gabriel Moreno was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right-hand contusion, retroactive to June 16. While hopefully a short-term issue, his absence will be felt. To fill the void, the club selected the contract of veteran catcher Aramis Garcia from Triple-A Reno. The 31-year-old has been performing well and will provide a steady presence. To clear a 40-man roster spot, reliever Christian Montes De Oca was transferred to the 60-day IL, another reminder of the injury bug plaguing the pitching staff.
On a day filled with tough news, a bright spot emerged from the farm system. Top prospect Jordan Lawlar put on a show for the Reno Aces, collecting three hits and driving in three runs to start his weekend. Lawlar continues to tear up Triple-A pitching, making a compelling case for a promotion to the big leagues later this season. His development is a crucial piece of the Diamondbacks' future, and nights like these provide a much-needed dose of optimism for a fanbase reeling from the major league club's injury woes.
With the roster moves set, the focus shifts to the field. The Diamondbacks (37-37) open a weekend series against the last-place Colorado Rockies (17-58) at hitter-friendly Coors Field. It's a prime opportunity for the offense to get going and for the team to build momentum. Colorado will send Austin Gomber to the mound for his second start of the season. For a team facing significant adversity off the field, securing a win tonight would be a massive morale booster and a step toward climbing back above .500.
Today was a test of the Diamondbacks' resolve. Losing your closer and starting catcher in the same week is a challenge for any team. Now, the spotlight turns to the players in the clubhouse. Can the bullpen committee hold down the fort? Can the offense pick up the slack? The series in Colorado is the first test. How this team responds to adversity will define the next chapter of their 2025 season.
