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Martinez Makes Rays History with Stellar Start
24 May
Summary
- Nick Martinez's 1.51 ERA is second-lowest in MLB.
- He set a franchise record for lowest ERA through nine starts.
- Martinez's success fuels the Rays' league-best 34-15 record.
Nick Martinez, acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays on a one-year, $13 million contract, has defied early skepticism to become one of baseball's top pitchers in 2026. Analysts initially questioned the signing, but Martinez has silenced critics with his outstanding performance.
He has achieved a franchise-first, boasting the lowest ERA for a Rays pitcher through their initial nine starts in franchise history. Entering the May 22nd matchup against the New York Yankees, Martinez's ERA stood at an impressive 1.51, with only nine earned runs allowed in 53.2 innings pitched. This ERA was second-lowest among qualified starting pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Martinez's success is a significant reason for the Tampa Bay Rays' current standing as the American League's best team with a 34-15 record. His ability to consistently limit opponents, demonstrated in his recent six-inning, one-run performance against the Yankees, positions the Rays as strong World Series contenders.
