Martinez should still have a strong chance of remaining in the rotation during an abbreviated 2020 season due to the likelihood the Cardinals regularly deploying six starting pitchers, Ben Fredrickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Martinez was lauded for his offseason work ethic, as he came into spring camp in good shape and then compiled 13 strikeouts over 13 Grapefruit League innings before spring training was suspended. The veteran right-hander appeared set to claim at least the No. 5 spot in the rotation when play was paused, and even if Miles Mikolas (forearm) is ready to return whenever Opening Day finally unfolds, Martinez would appear set to benefit from the likelihood of a six-man Cardinals starting rotation.