Cincinnati Reds' Newcomer Likely to Make Team's Starting Rotation at Outset of 2024
After signing a multi-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds in the offseason, right-hander Nick Maritnez appears destined for a role in the starting rotation.
Per C. Trent Rosencrans, who did a roster projection in 'The Athletic:'
Montas and Martinez, the rotation’s newcomers, have fit right into the team both on the field and in the clubhouse. The veteran presence of those two has helped quell any concerns about rounding out the rotation starting the season.
In addition to Frankie Montas and Martinez, Rosencrans has Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft making the rotation out of camp. Nick Lodolo is still battling leg issues from a year ago and should be in the mix once fully healthy and up to speed.
With regards to Martinez, the 33-year-old Florida native is a six-year Major League veteran who has played for the Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres. He also did a stint in Japan and went from 2018-2021 without pitching in the majors.
Martinez has experience as both a starter and a reliever in his career, but has made his preference known that he wants to start. He started 68 games for the Rangers from 2014-2017 and then started 19 more over the last two years for San Diego.
The Reds went 82-80 last season and failed to make the playoffs for the third straight season. They last made the playoffs in the COVID-shortened 2020 season but appear primed for a return due to a bevy of young position players and this re-worked rotation.
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