The Texas Rangers designated veteran reliever Chris Martin for assignment after activating him from the Injured List.
The Texas Rangers made another roster move ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, designating veteran reliever Chris Martin for assignment after activating him from the 15-day Injured List.
The transaction lowers Texas' 40-man roster to 39 players while signaling the end of Martin's challenging stint with the club this season. Although he was healthy enough to be activated, the Rangers elected not to keep the 40-year-old on the major-league roster.
Martin had been sidelined since mid-July with a right shoulder impingement, marking the third time this season he landed on the Injured List because of the issue.
His struggles began well before the injury, and he was unable to regain his form during his rehab assignment, making it difficult for Texas to justify a roster spot as the club evaluated its bullpen options.
In 16 appearances this season, Martin posted a 9.00 ERA across 14.0 innings while allowing 25 hits. He recorded nine strikeouts against just two walks but finished with a 1.93 WHIP, as opposing hitters consistently found success against the veteran right-hander.
Martin returned to the Rangers on a one-year, $4 million contract before the 2026 season after previously enjoying success in Arlington. However, injuries and inconsistent performance prevented him from making the impact Texas envisioned when it brought him back.
The Rangers will now have several options with Martin's roster status. The club could trade him before the deadline, although finding a deal may prove difficult given his recent performance and health concerns.
If he is not moved, Martin is expected to clear waivers, at which point he would have the opportunity to elect free agency and pursue another opportunity elsewhere.
For Texas, the move reflects a continued effort to reshape its roster as the organization looks toward the remainder of the season. By opening a spot on the 40-man roster, the Rangers gain additional flexibility for potential acquisitions or internal promotions.
The acquisition of Chase Silseth from the Los Angeles Angels fundamentally reshaped the Texas Rangers' bullpen dynamics leading up to the trade deadline. Adding Silseth to the relief mix provided management with a high-upside alternative for high-leverage situations.
This newfound depth directly impacted Martin, reducing his necessity in late-game scenarios and ultimately making the veteran reliever expendable. With the front office actively evaluating its pitching inventory, time will tell how the remaining roster pieces shake out as the team optimizes its staff.
While Martin's tenure this season did not unfold as either side had hoped, his lengthy major league résumé and history of success could still generate interest from clubs seeking experienced bullpen depth once he becomes available.
