Carlos MartinezSP | Giants

Martinez is preparing for return to rotationJanuary 19, 2020 | 04:28 PM

Carlos Martinez told reporters he is at 100% health and expects to be a member of the Cardinals' starting rotation this season. Analysis: Martinez has not started a game since July of 2018. He has endured multiple stints on the injured list due to shoulder woes over the past two seasons. When he was healthy enough to pitch he was used out of the bullpen rather than the rotation. He pitched in 48 games last year and notched 24 saves to go along with a 3.17 ERA. If he does return to a starting role it would open the closer's job to either Alex Reyes or more likely Giovanny Gallegos. Regular closer Jordan Hicks is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until at least the All Star break.