Padres News: Nick Martinez Already Performing At The Mound Back In Peoria

Upon return from WBC, Martinez is making his presence felt.

Team USA took the field today against Japan in the World Baseball Classic semifinals and they had to do so without one of their pitchers in Nick Martinez. America's team put together one of the best rosters that we've ever seen and even though Martinez has been able to produce for them, their coaching has options they value ahead of him.

Martinez was on an interesting road back into the MLB following his last season with the Texas Rangers back in 2017. He spent some years in Japan before the Friars were impressed enough to give him a shot last season. Martinez has now produced enough to garner a starting role ahead of the 2023 season and he was more than happy represent the U.S. in the WBC. However, he wants to have a big season for San Diego this year and after it was uncertain that he would pitch again in the international tournament, he chose to return to Spring Training.

He has immediately made his presence felt in the Cactus League and got right back to form against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. The 32-year-old struck out six batters and looked very comfortable on the mound once again.

A look at all 5 strikeouts from Nick Martinez’s start in a Minors contest today.

He returned to #Padres camp early in an effort to ramp up for the regular season after starting last weekend for Team USA: pic.twitter.com/wj9aaCoBZ9

— Jesse Borek (@JesseABorek) March 19, 2023

I personally believe that Martinez made the right choice to leave the WBC early and touch back down in Peoria. Even though Team USA offered the chance to contend for a world championship, the Padres are who is paying him a three-year, $26 million contract. 

It's also very important to remember that the Friars are in the middle of a tough pitching situation. Austin Nola just took a scary hit directly to his nose on Sunday and will join Joe Musgrove on a recovery plan. Yu Darvish is still away from the team as he plays for Japan in the WBC. There are opportunities that Martinez can grab and earn a bigger role.