The Boston Red Sox activated veteran right-hander Chris Martin from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, as per a team release. Martin had been on the IL due to anxiety since June 5, retroactive to June 2. To make room on the roster, RHP Cooper Criswell was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. This season, Criswell posted a 4.15 ERA in 52 innings.
The #RedSox today announced the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/NCLI8OCEEW
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 18, 2024
### Chris Martin Activated After IL Stint
The Boston Red Sox have activated veteran right-hander Chris Martin from the 15-day injured list. Martin last pitched on May 30, but soon after, there were discussions that he might be placed on the IL for undisclosed reasons. The team confirmed the move just under a week later, citing anxiety as the cause. In his last outing against the Detroit Tigers, Martin allowed four hits, three runs, and two homers. This appearance marked his 21st of the season.
Martin is one of five Red Sox players to be placed on the IL in June, alongside Garrett Whitlock, Vaughn Grissom, Romy Gonzalez, and Wilyer Abreu.
The #RedSox today placed RHP Chris Martin on the 15-Day Injured List, retroactive to June 2, due to anxiety.
To fill his spot on the active roster, the club recalled RHP Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 5, 2024
Chris Martin has posted a 4.22 ERA and a 2-1 record in 2024. He started the season strong, pitching a scoreless inning in each of his first four games. However, he encountered his first setback on April 10, allowing four runs and taking a loss against the Baltimore Orioles, finishing April with a 6.75 ERA and a 5.56 ERA overall. Martin improved in May, allowing runs in only three of his 10 outings and ending the month with a 2.70 ERA and 12 strikeouts.
Before returning to the majors, Martin made a rehab appearance at Triple-A Worcester, where he pitched a scoreless inning and allowed one baserunner on June 16 against the Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A, Toronto Blue Jays).
### Red Sox Pitching Without Martin
This season, Chris Martin primarily served as a setup man for the Red Sox, pitching more than one inning only once in 2024. When Martin went on the injured list, the Red Sox called up 29-year-old Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester to fill his spot. Kelly, in his second stint with Boston this season, did not allow a run in six June appearances and struck out 12 batters.
Since Martin’s absence, Boston’s team ERA ranks 11th at 3.79. The Red Sox have recorded five saves and have a 7-4 record during this period. This included tough series wins over the National League-leading Philadelphia Phillies and the American League-leading New York Yankees. Boston has been in the top 12 for hits allowed since June 5, though they rank fifth-worst in homers allowed.
### Chris Martin’s MLB Career
Chris Martin made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Colorado Rockies and has since played for six teams. His best season came in 2023, posting a 1.05 ERA in 51 â…“ innings for Boston. This year marks his seventh consecutive season with an ERA+ over 100. Throughout his career, Martin has accumulated a 7.5 WAR, a 3.42 ERA, and 12 saves.
