CLEVELAND -- Lefty Riley Martin was with the Cubs at Progressive Field on Saturday, but his expected promotion to the big league bullpen was put on hold when incoming storms forced the postponement of the planned night game against the Guardians.
Due to the rainout – which will be made up as part of a traditional doubleheader on Sunday, beginning at 12:10 p.m. CT – the Cubs did not need to make any formal transactions on Saturday. Per a source, Martin was in the plans to be called up from Triple-A Iowa to give the relief corps an additional arm. The Cubs have not confirmed the move.
The Cubs were planning on making a roster move in the wake of righty Cade Horton (right forearm discomfort) exiting Friday’s 4-1 loss after only 17 pitches. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who did not speak with reporters on Saturday, noted after that series opener in Cleveland that Horton was likely heading to the 15-day injured list.
Now, the Cubs will also have the ability to add a 27th man to the Major League roster for Sunday’s twin bill.
Martin, 28, the team's No. 28 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was selected by the Cubs in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Quincy University, a Division II school.
Used almost exclusively as a reliever, Martin is known for a mid-80s power breaking ball that scouts say combines curveball depth with slider velocity. When it's on, it pairs well with a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and has touched 98 mph.
In parts of six Minor League seasons, Martin is 24-13 with a 3.76 ERA in 174 appearances. Last season at Triple-A, he was 6-2 with a 2.69 ERA in 47 appearances (including one start). He's appeared in just one game this season, though as a starter. He went three innings and allowed three hits and a run with three strikeouts.
With Horton sidelined, veteran Colin Rea is a leading candidate to move into the rotation. Rea opened the season as a multi-inning arm out of the bullpen, along with righty Ben Brown. If one of Rea or Brown assumes Horton’s spot, Martin can help offer a replacement also capable of covering multiple frames.