Texas Rangers veteran reliever Chris Martin returned to the mound for a rehabilitation assignment on Wednesday, marking his first game action since being placed on the injured list in 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 northwest of Plano. The outing represents a significant step in Martin’s recovery from a right shoulder impingement. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker has indicated that the team does not anticipate requiring an extended rehabilitation schedule for the veteran. According to the manager, only a few more appearances should be necessary before Martin is eligible for activation back to the major league roster.
Martin was 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 stemming from 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 performance this season has struggled compared to his career norms. Across 12 appearances in 2026, Martin holds a 7.84 earned run average. A healthy return could allow him to reset his performance during the second half of the campaign.
His recent struggles contrast sharply with his 2025 season, where he posted a 2.98 ERA in 49 appearances, establishing himself as a dependable late-inning option. Over an 11-year major league career, Martin has compiled a 3.45 ERA, known for handling high-leverage situations. If his rehab continues without setbacks, he could provide the Rangers with another experienced relief option as the team looks to strengthen its bullpen for the stretch run.
