Nick Martinez visited the major league team’s spring training in 2014 and stunned everyone by making the team’s opening day roster, making him one of the best pitching prospects in the Rangers’ organization.
He was set to open the season as the Rangers’ fifth starting after beating out experienced starter Tommy Hanson and others.
Martinez was expected to return to AA to continue his apprenticeship as soon as ace Yu Darvish, who started the season on the disabled list, was fit to rejoin the team.
He was the first Fordham alumnus to play in the majors since Pete Harnisch in 2001, and the first since Ray Montgomery in 1996, when he made his debut on April 5th.
He had a no-decision after giving up three runs in six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on that particular day. David DeJesus, Wil Myers, Ben Zobrist, and Evan Longoria were the first four batters he faced before James Loney doubled.
Yunel Escobar hit his first home run in the third inning. Jason Frasor took over for him with a 4-3 lead.
In the third inning of an interleague game against the Washington Nationals on May 31st, he batted for Nick Tepesch as a pinch-hitter and grounded to second base. He made 29 starts with Texas and was 5-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 140 1/3 innings pitched.
How Much Does Nick Martinez Make?
Nick Martinez’s average annual pay is $6,375,000. Martinez will receive a basic salary of $4,000,000 in 2022.