Arizona Diamondbacks Reportedly Seeking Bullpen Help in Wake of Injuries

With A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez both on the injured list, the Arizona Diamondbacks could look to the trade market to find another reliable relief pitcher.

Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) reacts after defeating the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks entered 2025 with two closers.

Just one month into the season, they are down to none.

Right-handed pitcher Justin Martinez was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to shoulder inflammation. He joined left-hander A.J. Puk, who was shifted to the 60-day injured list with a left elbow flexor strain.

It remains to be seen how long the 23-year-old Martinez will be sidelined for, considering he is still scheduled to undergo additional testing. As for Puk, the 30-year-old will miss at least the next few months of action.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the D-backs are "actively looking for bullpen help" after losing two arms who have combined for seven saves in seven tries. Arizona was 8-0 when Puk took the mound, after all, and 9-3 when Martinez pitched.

The Arizona Diamondbacks entered the season with LHP A.J. Puk and RHP Justin Martinez as their co-closers.
Today, Puk was placed on the 60-day IL and Martinez was placed on the 15-day IL.
They are actively looking for bullpen help.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 1, 2025

As it stands, the Diamondbacks has Ryan Thompson, Shelby Miller, Jalen Beeks and Kevin Ginkel in place as their high-leverage bullpen options. Thompson is the only one with a save this season, but Miller has yet to allow an earned run in his 12.2 innings of work.

Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, both of whom were All-Stars in 2024, have been at the center of several trade rumors since last summer. If the D-backs are serious about contending in a stacked NL West, it may take acquiring one of those elite relievers for them to hang around in the Wild Card race.

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