Nabs rotation spot Martinez is listed as the Padres' starting pitcher for Monday's series opener in San Francisco. Impact Mike Clevinger's (knee) placement on the injured list coupled with Thursday's trade that sent Chris Paddack to Minnesota cleared the way for Nick Martinez to open the season as the Padres' No. 5 starter. Even before Paddack was dealt, Martinez appeared in good shape to win a rotation spot after San Diego signed him to a four-year, $25.5 million deal in the offseason. The 31-year-old owns a 4.77 ERA across 415.1 career innings in the majors from 2014 through 2017, but he looked like a different pitcher while spending the subsequent four seasons in Japan. During his time overseas, the right-hander gained a few ticks of velocity on his fastball, showed an improved four-pitch mix and made major gains in limiting walks. Of course, Martinez will be facing higher-caliber competition in his return to MLB than he matched up against in Nippon Professional Baseball, but he at least appears better equipped to find more success this time around.
APRIL 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE