"Didn't Bryce Harper play through UCL injury": Fans question Justin Martinez's injury severity after getting sidelined for atleast 12 months

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Justin Martinez might be sidelined for the next 12 to 13 months due to a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow, manager Torey Lovullo said on MLB Network Radio.

As it usually goes with this sort of news, fans took to comparing this with other situations (and other players) online, with many focused on the fact that stars like Bryce Harper have notoriously played through UCL issues in the past, saying: "Didn't Harper push through a UCL injury?" W

ithin hours, that question went viral, with fans discussing why Martinez was taking a break for what appears to be a similar problem.

Fans react with disbelief and frustration to Justin Martinez's injury

The information about the diagnosis and estimated recovery time immediately sparked a flurry of reactions online, with some fans questioning the response of the medical profession as well as the condition's wider implications.

There was one comment that spoke for all of us: "That long for a sprain?" — emphasizing the bizarre nature of the non-tear UCL injury that would keep a guy out for more than a year. Somebody else cited the excessive recurrence of comparable wounds in MLB, asking:

"Man..

pitchers keep dropping like flies.."

At the same time, Diamondbacks fans were feeling overjoyed about the standpoint for the pen, with one expressing: "So the Diamondbacks just died." Reactions were a mixture of surprise, concern, and acceptance as another young pitcher was added to the ever-growing list of long-term casualties.

Team remains cautious as Justin Martinez begins lengthy recovery

Even with all the fan backlash, the Diamondbacks insist the 12-to-13-month timetable is a cautionary medical choice, not an exaggeration.

The word sprain might not sound as bad — manager Torey Lovullo made sure to point that out — but the internal strain on Martinez's UCL was enough to lead Lovullo to mention the long, cautious recovery ahead.Also Read: Breaking: Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez out for the rest of 2025 MLB seasonThe objective there is to maintain Martinez’s future as a high-leverage reliever, not have him back at the risk of a major setback. With Martinez's possible late-inning weaponry, the organization is not concerned with short-term performance, and it wants him to be ready for the long haul. Arizona will scour the rest of the season for bullpen options without one of the brightest young arms in the organization during a time of year when depth is key.