Dodgers acquire reliever Chris Martin from Cubs

July 30th, 2022

The Dodgers have acquired right-handed reliever Chris Martin from the Cubs for utility man Zach McKinstry.

The 36-year-old Martin won a World Series title with the Braves in 2021, before signing a one-year deal with Chicago. He has a 4.31 ERA over 31 1/3 innings this season, albeit with a 40-to-4 K/BB ratio.

Manager Dave Roberts said prior to Saturday's game against the Rockies at Coors Field that Martin would join the Dodgers in Denver, and that he would be activated Sunday.

"He's a neutral reliever who has really good stuff," Roberts said. "I think he'll fit in really well with our staff. I think we use him kind of -- I don't want to specify leverage yet, but we believe all outs are important.

"But he's a guy that's just a strike-thrower, punches guys out and puts the ball on the ground, so we're excited to have him."

Martin owns a career 4.10 ERA over seven seasons with the Braves, Cubs, Rockies, Yankees and Rangers. He’ll provide bullpen depth for the Dodgers while they await the returns of Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, Tommy Kahnle, Victor González and Danny Duffy from the injured list.

To acquire Martin, the Dodgers parted with McKinstry, who improbably reached the Majors after being selected in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Central Michigan University. The 27-year-old is a career .210/.266/.403 hitter with eight homers over 193 plate appearances.