Nick Martinez Has Become the Pitcher Rays Can Always Count On

Nick Martinez continues to be one of the most consistent pitchers for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Martinez picked up his 14th win of the season on Friday night as the Rays took down the Texas Rangers 7-6 in Arlington.

The veteran went 6.1 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs while throwing 90 pitches.

However, his final stat line probably doesn't tell the entire story.

Martinez left the game with runners on base before Garrett Cleavinger entered and allowed a grand slam that completely changed the game.

It's another example of why Martinez has been so important for Tampa Bay this season.

And maybe a reminder that Kevin Cash needs to give him a longer leash.

Whenever the Rays need length or simply need someone to settle things down, Martinez continues to deliver.

That's especially important right now with Shane McClanahan heading back to the injured list.

Tampa Bay has plenty of starting pitching options, but Martinez has arguably become the pitcher Kevin Cash can depend on the most.

Meanwhile, there might be some concerns developing behind him.

Cleavinger has struggled over his last few appearances, and Friday was another rough outing.

The left-hander entered in the seventh inning and couldn't stop Texas from turning what looked like a comfortable Tampa Bay lead into a close game.

It's something the Rays need to figure out before October.

Cleavinger has shown throughout the season that he can be an important part of this bullpen, but Tampa Bay needs that version of him back during the final few weeks.

Fortunately, Kevin Kelly continues to provide some stability.

Kelly came into Friday's game in the eighth inning and helped settle everything down after Texas had built some momentum.

After struggling last season, Kelly has once again become one of the more dependable options in Tampa Bay's bullpen.

And the Rays might need him even more down the stretch.

There are going to be questions about this pitching staff over the next few weeks.

Can McClanahan get healthy? It's something that was a problem in 2023, and the Rays are heading down that route again when it comes to success heading into the postseason. 

Can Cleavinger get back on track? They need to find out quickly. If not, they need to make a few roster moves and figure out if players such as top pitching prospect Ty Johnson can be better for the squad in the playoffs. 

What exactly is Bryan Baker's status after leaving Friday's game? Kevin Cash said it was just illness, but does that keep him out for a few games during this road trip? Hopefully that's not the case. 

However, Martinez continues to be one pitcher Tampa Bay hasn't needed to worry about.

He's been consistent all season.

And as the Rays try to finish off an American League East title, Martinez might be one of the most dependable players they have.