Carlos Martinez

Carlos Martinez could open in Cardinals' bullpen

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez may work out of the bullpen to begin the 2020 season.

What It Means:

Martinez had a late arrival to workouts due to delays with MLB's COVID-19 intake testing protocol. As a result, Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said Martinez may need to be worked into the rotation. “He more than earned the opportunity with what he showed in spring training,” Shildt said of Martinez starting. “Now it’s just a matter of the calendar a little bit, and what that looks like and how we can move him forward.” Martinez is familiar with the bullpen after transitioning into the Cardinals' closer role last season. Kwang-Hyun Kim seems ticketed for the No. 5 starting job.

numberFire's models expect Martinez to record a 3.91 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 44 strikeouts and 17 walks over 43 2/3 innings this season.