Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo shared promising news about star players Christian Walker and Ketel Marte, suggesting that both could make a quick return once fully cleared.
In an interview with Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Friday, Lovullo expressed optimism about the veterans’ recovery timelines, noting that their extensive at-bats this season might help expedite their return to the lineup. Walker has been sidelined since July 30 due to a left oblique strain, while Marte was placed on the injured list on Monday with a sprained ankle.
“There’s a target date we’re aiming for,” Lovullo said. “Christian Walker continues to progress. He did some full-velocity, full-intensity hitting yesterday and will do the same today. With Marte, we’re working to get him asymptomatic. Once that happens, we’ll start his progression.
“In both cases, I believe their progression could be quick because of the number of at-bats they’ve already accumulated this year.”
While neither player has resumed full baseball activities, Lovullo is hopeful they will return during Arizona’s upcoming stretch of 13 games in 13 days, starting Tuesday. The Diamondbacks are set to host the New York Mets for three games, followed by a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and then three games at the San Francisco Giants before their next off day. Lovullo assured fans that both players would definitely return this season.
Is Justin Martinez the Closer Going Forward?
Justin Martinez has stepped up in save situations over the past few weeks, securing Arizona’s last five saves. With a 1.89 ERA this season, Martinez has allowed just one earned run in 5.2 innings during those save opportunities.
“We’re very pleased with how Justin has performed in the short term,” Lovullo said. “But on a larger scale, we need to ensure all our bullpen pieces are operating at the highest level. For me, that includes Paul Sewald. I want to get Sewald back into the closer role, but I also want to give him time to grow and get comfortable. Things are trending in a positive direction for him. Regardless of who’s closing, I feel confident in our bullpen strategy. Justin has responded well, and right now, he’s saving games, which is what matters most.”
Sewald, who has given up three earned runs in eight innings since stepping out of the closer role, allowed a ninth-inning run during a 4-1 win at Fenway Park on Saturday. Arizona had Martinez warming up in the bullpen just in case, indicating the fluidity of the closer situation even if official roles haven’t been assigned.
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