Texas Rangers veteran reliever Chris Martin returned to the mound for a rehabilitation assignment on Wednesday, marking his first game action since early June. The 39-year-old right-hander pitched for the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders against the Midland RockHounds, delivering a scoreless inning in which he allowed one hit and recorded two strikeouts.
Frisco is about 12 miles south of Celina. This outing represents a significant milestone in Martin’s recovery from a right shoulder impingement. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 1, with the move retroactive to May 31, after experiencing recurring discomfort in the same shoulder. This marks his second stint on the injured list this season due to the issue, following an earlier absence that lasted from mid-April through late May.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker has indicated that Martin does not require an extended rehabilitation program. According to the manager, only a couple of additional outings are expected before the team activates him from the injured list. The organization has taken a cautious approach with the veteran pitcher to ensure his shoulder has fully recovered before he returns to the major-league roster.
Martin’s performance in 2026 has struggled compared to his career norms. Through 12 appearances this season, he has posted a 7.84 earned run average. A healthy return could allow him to reset his performance during the second half of the campaign. His current struggles contrast sharply with the 2025 season, where he recorded a 2.98 ERA across 49 appearances, establishing himself as a dependable late-inning option for the club.
Over an 11-year major league career, Martin has compiled a 3.45 ERA and built a reputation as a reliable bullpen arm capable of handling high-leverage situations. If his rehabilitation continues without setbacks, he could provide the Rangers with another experienced relief option as the team looks to strengthen its bullpen for the final stretch of the season.