Astros pitcher Francis Martes preparing for reactivation from suspension

Danielle Lerner, Staff writer

June 4, 2021Updated: June 4, 2021 4:41 p.m.

Astros pitcher Francis Martes is eligible for reinstatement June 19.  

Karen Warren/Staff photographer

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Astros have assigned righthander Francis Martes, who last pitched in the majors in 2017, to Class AAA Sugar Land in preparation for reactivation.  

Martes missed the entire 2020 season with a second suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. He was handed a 162-game suspension last February after he tested positive for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid. Martes was previously suspended 80 games in March 2019 after he tested positive for Clomiphene, an ovulatory stimulant, and also missed most of the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to Tommy John surgery.

He is eligible for reinstatement June 19.  

The two failed drug tests represent a fall from grace for Martes, who was once one of the Astros’ brightest pitching prospects. In 2017, he was 5-2 with a 5.80 ERA in four starts and 28 relief appearances for the Astros, striking out 69 and walking 31 in 54⅓ innings. Between his injury and the suspensions, however, he has rarely played in the last three seasons.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Friday he isn’t sure whether Martes will be deployed as a starter or a reliever once he rejoins the Astros.

“We’re not sure, in spring training he was in the bullpen,” Baker said. “He threw the ball well in spring training. We just have to see how he does and what he does and if he shows the same form he does in spring training and we’ll go from there.”

Danielle Lerner covers the Rockets, Astros and a variety of sports for the Houston Chronicle. She previously covered college basketball for The Daily Memphian, The Athletic and the Louisville Courier Journal. A true utility player, she has also written about professional soccer, horse racing, college football and college baseball. Her work has been honored by APSE and SPJ. A native Californian, Lerner spends her free time being active outdoors and exploring Houston’s taco scene.