Texas Rangers veteran reliever Chris Martin returned to the mound for a rehab assignment on Wednesday, marking his first game action since being placed on the injured list earlier this month. The 39-year-old right-hander worked for the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders against Midland, delivering a scoreless inning that included one hit allowed and two strikeouts.
Frisco is about 6 miles northeast of The Colony. This outing represents a significant step in Martin’s recovery from a right shoulder impingement. Team management has indicated that the veteran pitcher does not require an extended rehabilitation schedule. According to Rangers manager Skip Schumaker, only a few more appearances are likely needed before Martin is eligible for activation back to the major league roster.
Martin was initially placed on the 15-day injured list on June 1, with the move retroactive to May 31, due to recurring discomfort in his right shoulder. This marks his second stint on the injured list this season for the same issue. Earlier in the year, he missed more than a month of play, sitting out from mid-April through late May.
The organization has adopted a cautious approach with Martin, prioritizing a full recovery before reintegrating him into the major league bullpen. His absence has coincided with a challenging offensive and pitching stretch for the team, but his return could provide stability as the season progresses.
Martin’s performance in 2026 has struggled compared to previous years. Through 12 appearances this season, he holds a 7.84 earned run average. The current shoulder issues have contributed to these numbers, which stand in contrast to his 2025 campaign. Last year, Martin appeared in 49 games for Texas, posting a 2.98 ERA and establishing himself as a dependable late-inning option.
