Texas Rangers veteran reliever Chris Martin participated in his first rehabilitation game on Wednesday, marking a potential step toward rejoining the major-league roster. 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.
This outing represents Martin’s first competitive action since being placed on the 15-day injured list at the start of June. Team management has indicated that the veteran does not require an extended rehab assignment. Manager Skip Schumaker suggested that only a few more outings may be necessary before Martin is activated, reflecting a cautious approach to his recovery from a right shoulder impingement.
Martin was originally placed on the 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 Rangers are prioritizing a full recovery for Martin before returning him to the major-league bullpen. His performance this season has struggled compared to previous years. 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 season.
Martin’s recent struggles contrast sharply with his 2025 campaign, where he posted a 2.98 ERA in 49 appearances, establishing himself as a dependable late-inning option. Over his 11-year major league career, he has compiled a 3.45 ERA and built a reputation for handling high-leverage situations.
