Cubs Elevate Riley Martin to Major League Roster
The Chicago Cubs have elevated left-handed pitcher Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa to their major league roster before a game against the Guardians. This promotion comes as Cade Horton is set to be placed on the 15-day injured list. Martin is currently listed on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, making the transition seamless for the team.
Riley Martin’s Background
The 28-year-old Martin is poised to make his Major League Baseball debut upon his first appearance. Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, he has consistently pitched at the Triple-A level for the past four seasons. Over his time in Iowa, Martin has primarily worked as a reliever, showcasing a 3.88 ERA alongside a notable 30.67% strikeout rate across 139.1 innings. However, he has struggled with control, exhibiting a walk rate of 15.57%.
Performance Insights
- Strikeout Rate: 30.67%
- Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.88
- Walk Rate: 15.57%
Notably, Martin has shown significant difficulty against left-handed batters during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Baseball America ranks him as the 20th top prospect within the Cubs organization, while MLB Pipeline places him 28th. His pitching relies heavily on a formidable curveball, although its effectiveness can vary, often losing shape and missing the strike zone altogether.
Transition to the Major Leagues
Martin’s addition to the Cubs comes at a crucial time. His ability to pitch multiple innings will provide the team with added flexibility as they manage Horton’s absence. In light of this transition, potential candidates for starting roles include Colin Rea and Ben Brown, both of whom are on the active roster. The Cubs may also consider utilizing a bullpen game strategy until Rea is fully prepared for a starting position.
This promotion marks an important milestone for Riley Martin, representing his journey from the minors to the big leagues with the Chicago Cubs, as he takes the next step in his professional baseball career.
