STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | June 28, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders are expected to add another major-league arm to their roster Sunday as Texas Rangers reliever Chris Martin begins a rehab assignment in Amarillo.

Chris Martin’s Road to Recovery

Martin is scheduled to join Frisco when the RoughRiders close their six-game series against the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, at HODGETOWN. First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m.

The assignment marks the next step in Martin’s recovery from a right shoulder impingement that sent him to the 15-day injured list on June 1. For Texas, getting the veteran right-hander back on the mound is an important development as the club evaluates bullpen depth and late-inning options entering the summer stretch.

Martin, 40, re-signed with the Rangers last December on a one-year free agent contract, returning to an organization and region with deep personal ties. The Arlington, Texas native has made 12 appearances for Texas in 2026, posting a 7.84 ERA over 10.1 innings before landing on the injured list.

While his early-season numbers were not where he or the club wanted them, Martin’s track record gives the Rangers reason to remain patient. Across an 11-year major-league career, he has built a reputation as a strike-throwing reliever with postseason experience, command and the ability to pitch in high-leverage situations.

Martin’s professional journey has been anything but ordinary. He made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Colorado Rockies after being traded from the Boston Red Sox organization following the 2013 season. He later spent the 2015 campaign with the New York Yankees before taking his career overseas to Japan for two seasons.

That stint helped reshape his career. Martin returned to Major League Baseball with Texas in 2018, beginning a strong second act that later included stops with the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. One of his best seasons came with Boston in 2023, when he recorded a 1.05 ERA across 55 appearances.

That level of production showed the value Martin can provide when healthy. His ability to attack the strike zone and limit free passes has made him a trusted veteran presence for multiple contenders. For the Rangers, the hope is that this rehab assignment can help him regain timing, test the shoulder and work back toward a return to the major-league bullpen.

Martin’s path to the majors is rooted in North Texas. He attended Arlington High School before continuing his career at McLennan Community College. A torn labrum appeared to derail his playing future in 2006, but Martin eventually worked his way back through independent baseball three years later.

That comeback led to a contract with the Red Sox in 2011 and, eventually, his rise to the big leagues. His career has since spanned multiple organizations, postseason runs and a return home to the Rangers.

Now, his latest comeback begins with Frisco.

For the RoughRiders, Martin’s assignment continues a recent run of high-profile rehab appearances. The club has already hosted major-league talent during the current stretch, giving fans a chance to see established big leaguers work their way back while adding experience to a roster that has already secured a postseason berth.

Frisco clinched the Texas League South Division first-half title earlier this month, earning its place in the playoffs. Even with that achievement already secured, the RoughRiders have remained competitive to open the second half and enter Sunday looking to finish their series in Amarillo on a strong note.

Rehab outings are typically more about process than results. For Martin, Sunday’s appearance will likely focus on arm health, command and how his shoulder responds in game action. If all goes well, it could serve as an important checkpoint in his return to Texas.

The Rangers will watch closely as Martin takes the mound again. For the veteran reliever, the goal is simple: get healthy, sharpen the fastball and command, and move one step closer to helping the big-league club.

Frisco and Amarillo will close their six-game series Sunday at HODGETOWN, with Martin expected to begin his rehab assignment in the 5:05 p.m. matchup.