BOSTON — In addition to improving his record to 4-1, lowering his ERA to 1.70 and becoming just the third Rays traditional (non-opener) starter to allow two or fewer runs in his first eight starts of a season, Nick Martinez is accomplishing some old-man things.
At 35 years and 278 days, he on Sunday became the oldest pitcher in franchise history to win four straight starts, surpassing Charlie Morton, who did so in 2019 at 35 years, 210 days.
Martinez also became just the third pitcher 35 or older in baseball’s modern era (since 1901) to post eight season-opening starts with two runs or fewer, joining A.J. Burnett (Pittsburgh, 2015) and ex-Ray Rolando Arrojo (Boston, 2001).
“I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” Martinez joked. “I’m just fortunate I’m able to still play.”
The Rays are certainly grateful to have him, signing the veteran somewhat unexpectedly the week spring camp opened to a one-year deal for a guaranteed $13 million.
Martinez has proved, as heralded, to be the great clubhouse presence who provides guidance and leadership. But what the Rays are most excited about is the extraordinary high level of performance he has delivered.
Sunday was the latest example, as he scatted seven hits over 5⅔ innings but allowed the Red Sox only one run. He didn’t walk a batter (though he hit two) and struck out three, throwing 55 of his 80 pitches for strikes.
“Just what he’s done all season — stays consistent, just fills up the strike zone, trust any pitch in any count,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “He’s got the ability to just change eye levels, change speeds. You see some guys (hit) a lot of ground balls (because they’re) out in front on pitches.
“I think everybody knows at some point they’re probably going to get a change-up, but it’s moving and the action to it is so good that he just continues to throw it.”
The consistency is arguably what’s most impressive.
“It’s pretty hard,” Cash said. “Even the (starters) that do it for the course of a half a season, a full season, it’s really impressive. His body of work through all (eight) starts, we’re incredibly pleased with it, and he should be proud of himself.”
Martinez is proud and said his solid results shouldn’t be considered a surprise.
“It’s something I’ve worked toward, just having the right mindset, being aggressive, communicating with (catcher Nick Fortes),” he said. “‘Forty’ has done a heck of a job back there for me in reading swings and adjusting when we have to and doubling up when we have to, and trusting the defense behind me.”