Diamondbacks in danger of falling further back in NL West after injury double whammy

Puk hasn't pitched since April 17 but had four saves and a 3.38 ERA when healthy. He was initially placed on the 15-day IL, but now Arizona won't have him back on the mound until at least summer.

Martinez suffered his injury on Wednesday in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 4-3 win against the New York Mets. Before exiting with no outs, he allowed a solo home run and two walks for his worst outing of the season.

Martinez appeared in 12 games in 2025, recording a 2.70 ERA with three saves. 

The twin injury updates are a significant hit to a team with playoff aspirations.

Despite finishing last season with a better record than in 2023, when they won the National League pennant, the Diamondbacks failed to reach the postseason in 2024.

In the loaded NL West, Arizona could be in danger of missing the playoffs again, especially if its bullpen becomes an issue.

Relievers Jalen Beeks and Shelby Miller are the team's top remaining relief arms, but instead of filling the middle innings like on most occasions, they could be needed at the end of games. Right-handed seven-year veteran Kevin Ginkel made his season debut on Wednesday and will likely receive late-inning action.

Arizona's staff could wear thin without its top two options, and force manager Torey Lovullo to rely on lesser players than he had at the start of the season.

Per FanGraphs, the Diamondbacks entered Thursday ranked No. 22 in reliever ERA (4.60). Those numbers could decline further without Puk and Martinez.

The Diamondbacks (16-14) are fourth in the NL West, 4.5 games behind the Dodgers (21-10) for first. They also trail the Padres (19-11) and Giants (19-12).

According to FanGraphs projections, Arizona has a 54.5 percent chance of reaching the playoffs. Its offense ranks eighth in on-base percentage (.330) and fourth in slugging (.437), giving it a chance to hit its way to victories without its two best relievers.

But for a team that's already fallen behind in the division standings, Puk and Martinez's absences are the last thing the Diamondbacks need.