Transaction Analysis 9/24: Martinez to IL with Oblique Strain, Oviedo Recalled

The Cardinals announced the following transaction in advance of tonight’s game against the Brewers:

9/24/20: Placed RHP Carlos Martinez on the 10-day IL (left oblique strain). Recalled RHP Johan Oviedo from the ATS.

Carlos Martinez started last night’s game against the Royals. After allowing a base hit to Hunter Dozier and a walk to Alex Gordon to begin the bottom of the 6th inning, Martinez grimaced as he delivered the first pitch to Franchy Cordero. At the end of his delivery he was clearly favoring his left side, and he was removed from the game immediately. While we were told after the game that he had a mid-back strain, he has now been diagnosed with a left oblique strain. He definitely won’t pitch again during the rest of the regular season, and it is unlikely he will pitch in the playoffs either. Johan Oviedo has been recalled to serve as long relief protection for the Brewers series. Martinez’s spot will not come back around again until after the regular season is supposed to end for the Cardinals, and he would only have been scheduled to pitch if the Cardinals were forced to play the doubleheader in Detroit against the Tigers to determine the Cards’ playoff eligibility or home field advantage. Assuming that Austin Gomber has Dakota Hudson’s spot locked down, the Cards will need to decide on a 5th starter, assuming the club makes the playoffs and gets past the Wild Card round.

This ends a disappointing season for Martinez. After working hard to get back into the rotation, he was slowed by the COVID virus and otherwise did not pitch well. He ends the season with 20 IP, 32 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 6 HR, 10 BB and 17 SO with a 9.90 ERA and 6.88 FIP.

The rest of the rotation shakes out like this for the regular season:

9/24: Kim

9/25: Flaherty and Ponce de Leon

9/26: Wainwright

9/27: Gomber

9/28 (if necessary): Oviedo + bullpen?