Cincinnati Reds right-hander Nick Martinez won't make a start for the team in its upcoming three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. The veteran had his third start of the season skipped due to a rainout on Thursday but will not get into any game action this weekend. The first two starts of his Reds tenure have not gone to plan as Martinez has yielded eight earned runs on 14 hits, including a homer, across 10 innings of work. He has only walked two in that time, however, and has punched out nine. The 33-year-old earned a two-year, $26 million contract from the Reds this winter after a successful return to the big leagues with the Padres over the last two seasons, most recently working to a 3.43 ERA across 63 outings (nine starts) in the 2023 campaign.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that right-hander Nick Martinez (ribs) is locked into a starting rotation spot to begin the year, along with Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. The fifth spot is down to Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (shoulder). Martinez has been dealing with a rib issue in camp, but he was able to throw a simulated game over the weekend and should be ready for Opening Day on March 28. The 33-year-old has started 87 of the 198 games that he's appeared in in the big leagues in six seasons, and he's been more effective in his career in a relief role. Moving back to the bullpen is still an option once lefty Nick Lodolo (leg) makes his 2024 debut, which makes Martinez more of an NL-only asset in his first year with the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (ribs) threw a live batting practice session on Saturday. The right-hander threw three innings of a simulated game as he works his way back to full health. The plan is for Martinez to build his way back up into being a starting pitcher. The 33-year-old could end up turning into a swingman type of role depending on how the rest of the rotation shakes out in Cincinnati. At the moment, Martinez isn't a very appealing option heading into fantasy drafts. However, it sounds like the right-hander is making good progress in his recovery.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez pitched a gem before rain forced the cancellation of the Reds-Dodgers Cactus League matchup on Friday. Martinez tossed four perfect innings, allowing no hits and no walks while striking out six batters. It was a very bright spot for the Reds on a day that started very cloudy with the suspension of Noelvi Marte. Going into Friday's game, the 33-year-old had thrown five spring innings, allowing just two hits, one run (zero earned), and one walk while striking out seven. Right now Martinez is projected as the fifth starter in the Cincinnati rotation and he's stated he wants to be a starter. It appears he's making a strong case, but until that's a certainty it'd be tough to recommend him for fantasy.

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Nick Martinez can fill pretty much any pitching role, but he signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Reds in December with the aim to be a starter. Right now, the team has 10 pitchers competing for five rotation spots, so there's no guarantee Martinez will open the year in the rotation. If he's not starting, he'll be expected to protect leads in a late-inning, high-leverage role out of the bullpen. The 33-year-old served as a swingman for the Padres the last two years, going 6-4 with a 3.43 ERA in a team-high 63 outings (110 1/3 innings) in 2023. Martinez had a 2.32 ERA over 42 2/3 innings in nine starts, and he was excellent at inducing weak contact. Because his role is unclear, it makes him difficult to recommend in fantasy drafts, but we can't argue against how effective he's been in recent seasons.

Free-agent right-hander Nick Martinez and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a two-year, $26 million deal on Thursday that includes an opt-out clause after the first year, according to sources. The 33-year-old opted out of the last two years and $16 million of his deal with the San Diego Padres this offseason to reach the open market. Martinez went 10-8 over the last two years with the Friars while posting a 3.45 ERA (4.17 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, nine saves, 81 walks and 201 strikeouts over 110 outings (19 starts) and 216 2/3 innings. He wasn't all that effective as a closer in San Diego, but he did have 23 holds and should work as a useful swing man in Cincinnati with the back end of the bullpen already locked down with Alexis Diaz and recent signing Emilio Pagan.

San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Martinez and the Padres declined their respective options for the 2024 campaign over the weekend, making him a free agent this offseason. The Padres had $16 million options on Martinez for the next two years, while Martinez had an $8 million player option. The 33-year-old swingman will look for a more lucrative contract on the open market this winter after going 6-4 with a career-best 3.43 ERA (3.92 FIP), 1.26 WHIP, one save, 15 holds, 40 walks and a career-high 106 strikeouts in 110 1/3 innings over a career-high 63 appearances (nine starts) in his second year in San Diego. Martinez will likely look for a starting role on the open market, but if that falls through, he'll be plenty attractive in a multi-inning relief role.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Martinez didn't need to shake off any rust during his Cactus League debut on Friday. The right-hander tossed two scoreless innings in what ended up being a loss to the Seattle Mariners. Martinez allowed three hits, but struck out four batters during his brief time on the mound. The 32-year-old was a swingman last season, but is expected to be a full-time starter to begin the 2023 season. He's certainly off to a strong start, but we'll see if his arm can hold up for the full length of a season in the rotation.

San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin said that right-hander Nick Martinez will start the team's Cactus League opener in spring training on Friday. Although Martinez only made 10 starts in 47 appearances for the Padres last year, he's expected to open the 2023 campaign at the back end of the team's starting rotation. In his 47 outings last year, he went 4-4 with a career-best 3.47 ERA (4.43 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, his first eight saves and 95 strikeouts in 106 1/3 innings pitched. The 32-year-old was more effective as a reliever, although he could shift back to that role eventually this season. In deeper mixed leagues, Martinez isn't a bad flier as rotation depth, but he might have more fantasy appeal in a relief role.

San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic as a starter, per MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. Martinez initially withdrew from the WBC because he would have served as a reliever but signed a three-year deal with the Padres this off-season with the intent of being a starter. However, several spots have now opened up on the roster, so Martinez will rejoin Team USA. The 32-year-old had a breakout 2022 season, making 10 starts and 47 appearances with a 4-4 record and eight saves to go with a 3.47 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 21.2% strikeout rate. He does own a career 4.50 ERA and his role still remains to be seen, but Martinez could be an interesting late-round fantasy pick in deeper leagues if he does earn a spot in the Padres' rotation and can carry his success into 2023.

The San Diego Padres officially re-signed right-hander Nick Martinez to a three-year, $26 million deal on Wednesday. Martinez hit the open market when he declined his $6.5 million option for the 2023 season last week, but the two sides quickly worked to bring him back in 2023 and beyond. The 32-year-old opened the year in the Friars' rotation, but eventually moved to a relief role, where he was much more effective. Martinez even filled in as the closer when lefty Josh Hader was struggling, earning eight saves. He finished with a 3.47 ERA (4.43 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, 95 strikeouts and 41 walks in 106 1/3 innings over 47 appearances (10 starts). There's a good chance that Martinez will open the 2023 campaign in the starting rotation, which gives him much more fantasy appeal for his strikeout upside.

Free-agent pitcher Nick Martinez is reportedly returning to the San Diego Padres after opting out of his contract with the team to start the offseason, per NY Post's Jon Heyman. Both sides agreed Tuesday, but details were not disclosed. The 32-year-old played a large part in both the starting rotation and out of the bullpen for the Padres in 2022, pitching 106 1/3 innings over 47 appearances (10 starts) with a 3.47 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 21.2% strikeout rate, four wins, eight saves and eight holds. His ability to deliver in tight spots was showcased during the playoffs, and while his hybrid role will be useful for the Padres, it does limit his fantasy value.

San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Martinez opted out of his $6.5 million player option for the 2023 season and is now a free agent. The two sides had been discussing a potential restructure in recent days, but Martinez has decided to test the open market after a strong season as a swing man for the Friars in his first year in San Diego. He had $18 million over three years left on his deal with the Padres, but he could still choose to re-sign with them. Martinez finished the 2022 campaign with a 3.47 ERA (4.43 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, eight saves and 95 strikeouts in 106 1/3 innings pitched over 47 outings (10 starts). He was much more effective in relief, posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 48 K's in 54 innings. He won't have a shortage of suitors on the open market after his impressive postseason performance.

The San Diego Padres and right-hander Nick Martinez have discussed the possibility of restructuring his contract. It would be a surprise if Martinez didn't end up staying in 2023, but his playoff performance didn't hurt his potential free-agent market. The 32-year-old was solid in his first year for the Friars in a swing role, going 4-4 with a 3.47 ERA (4.43 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, eight saves and a 95:41 K:BB in 106 1/3 innings over 47 appearances (10 starts) during the regular season. He looked great in a multi-inning relief role in the postseason as well. Martinez was more successful out of the bullpen, and it sounds like the only way he'll become a free agent this winter is if he decides to opt out of the first of three player options.

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Nick Martinez recorded the first nine outs of the game for the Padres, coming on after starter Mike Clevinger failed to get even one out. Martinez was excellent, retiring all nine batters he faced with three strikeouts. He's been a revelation all postseason, throwing 11 innings across seven appearances with a 0.82 ERA, 0.36 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts. He would seem unlikely to appear in Game 5, an elimination game for the Padres, but he may be used if the team goes with an "all hands on deck" approach.

San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin said Monday that relief pitcher Nick Martinez is currently the team's preferred option at closer, per the Athletic's Dennis Lin. The Padres traded for Josh Hader at the deadline, but he has completely collapsed since then. On the other hand, Martinez has pitched well all season both in the rotation and out of the bullpen with a 3.07 ERA and six saves. Melvin's statement, coupled with the fact that Martinez's last two appearances have resulted in saves makes him worth a roster spot in at least all roto leagues.

San Diego Padres reliever Nick Martinez was called upon to close out his club's 4-3 lead over the Royals on Saturday, and he did just that to pick up his sixth save of the season. The right-hander only had to work around a two-out single in the scoreless frame as he struck out one during his 13-pitch appearance. With the team recently going to a committee approach in the ninth inning, Martinez has picked up the team's last two saves since he's been able to hold a 1.40 ERA through 38 2/3 IP as a reliever. After failing as a starter, it looks like Martinez has found his calling in the bullpen, and is worth picking up for managers who are seeking some late-season saves.

The San Diego Padres recalled right-hander Michel Baez from Triple-A El Paso on Friday after they placed right-hander Nick Martinez on the paternity list. The San Diego bullpen is in flux as they recently demoted left-hander Taylor Rogers from the closer's role. Manager Bob Melvin is expected to go with a committee approach when it comes to save chances moving forward, at least until someone emerges from the group. Baez could be part of the group that receives chances to close out games, making him worth a look in deeper, NL-only formats for fantasy managers looking for saves. However, the best bet is that some combination of Luis Garcia, Adrian Morejon and Nabil Crismatt will get a shot.

San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Martinez (ankle) was removed from Tuesday's game against the Colorado Rockies after sustaining a minor ankle sprain. The injury occurred in the seventh inning of the game when he was hit in his ankle by a comebacker. After the game, Padres manager Bob Melvin stated that he was day-to-day. The 31-year-old has been working as a long reliever lately and he's had mixed results. Over 73.1 innings on the year, he has a 3.68 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP.

San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez will make the start on Monday, according to manager Bob Melvin. Right-hander Mike Clevinger (triceps) was scheduled to start before he ended up on the injured list. That being said, it appears the Padres are planning on using a six-man rotation while Clevinger is out. Martinez has been fairly decent through his six starts this season. However, the Milwaukee Brewers lineup can be dangerous at times. Regardless, Martinez is at least worth considering as a streaming option in deep leagues this week.