--- title: "Raidel Martínez notches 23rd save as Yomiuri Giants extend dominance" description: "Cuban closer delivers another clutch outing, cementing his status as NPB’s most reliable bullpen arm this season" url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lanzador-cubano-mart-nez-contin-a-intratable-en-el-b-isbol-j-227ecedb published: 2026-07-03T05:51:51.825+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T05:51:51.825+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Raidel Martínez notches 23rd save as Yomiuri Giants extend dominance > Cuban closer delivers another clutch outing, cementing his status as NPB’s most reliable bullpen arm this season Cuban closer Raidel Martínez secured his 23rd save of the season to propel the Yomiuri Giants to victory. The outing underscored his role as the league’s most dependable bullpen weapon, extending a streak that has defined the Giants’ late-game success. Martínez worked the ninth inning cleanly, striking out two and inducing a groundout to strand the tying run on third. The save marked his 23rd of the year, tying him for the league lead among relievers. His 1.89 ERA and 0.95 WHIP remain among the best marks for any closer in Nippon Professional Baseball this season. The Giants, sitting atop the Central League standings, have leaned heavily on Martínez in high-leverage spots. Manager Tatsunori Hara called him the "engine of our bullpen" after the game, citing his ability to handle pressure with consistency. The team’s 18-8 record in games decided by one run reflects that trust. Teammates praised Martínez’s composure and pitch mix, noting how hitters struggle to square up his mid-90s fastball and sharp slider. "He doesn’t give you anything to hit," said veteran infielder Hayato Sakamoto. "You know it’s coming, but you can’t do anything with it." The statistical profile Martínez has built this season goes beyond mere save totals. A sub-2.00 ERA for a closer in the Central League is a rarity, indicating he isn't just banking empty leads but actively suppressing rallies. That 18-8 record in one-run games isn't a fluke of luck; it is the direct result of a bullpen that holds advantages late. By locking down the ninth with such efficiency, Martínez allows the Giants' rotation to pitch to contact, knowing the safety net is sturdy. This dynamic shifts the entire team's approach, allowing them to win ugly rather than needing blowouts. Opposing offenses are running out of adjustments. Sakamoto’s observation about the predictability of the fastball-slider mix highlights a terrifying reality for hitters: they know what is coming and still miss. This dominance forces opposing managers to abandon small-ball tactics in the late innings, as a single baserunner often turns into a dead end against Martínez. The psychological edge cannot be overstated; when a team steps into the dugout trailing after the eighth, the game feels effectively over. That mental stranglehold is as valuable as the physical outs recorded. What’s next: Martínez and the Giants face the Hanshin Tigers in a three-game set starting Friday at Tokyo Dome. A strong showing could push his save total past the league lead and further cement his case for season-ending awards. ## Why this matters Martínez’s dominance is reshaping expectations for foreign closers in NPB, proving Cuban talent can thrive under pressure in Japan’s ultra-competitive environment. His 23 saves aren’t just numbers—they’re evidence that elite bullpen arms can dictate pennant races. For the Giants, his reliability offsets offensive inconsistencies. For MLB scouts, his performance adds a data point in the ongoing debate about international reliever valuation. ## Frequently asked ### How many saves does Raidel Martínez have this season? Martínez has recorded 23 saves in 2024, tying him for the league lead among relievers in Nippon Professional Baseball. ### What is Raidel Martínez’s ERA and WHIP this season? Martínez owns a 1.89 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP through his outings, both among the best marks for closers in NPB this year. ### Which team does Raidel Martínez play for? Martínez pitches for the Yomiuri Giants, the Central League team based in Tokyo. ### How has the Yomiuri Giants’ record been in close games? The Giants are 18-8 in games decided by one run, a record that reflects their bullpen’s clutch performances led by Martínez. ### Who is the manager of the Yomiuri Giants? Tatsunori Hara is the Giants’ manager, and he has frequently cited Martínez as the backbone of the team’s bullpen. ### What’s next for Raidel Martínez and the Giants? The Giants host the Hanshin Tigers for a three-game series starting Friday at Tokyo Dome, a chance for Martínez to extend his save lead. ## Sources & Citations - [Lanzador cubano Martínez continúa intratable en el béisbol japonés](https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/01/lanzador-cubano-martinez-continua-intratable-en-el-beisbol-japones/) — GNews.io (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Raidel Martínez notches 23rd save as Yomiuri Giants extend dominance. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lanzador-cubano-mart-nez-contin-a-intratable-en-el-b-isbol-j-227ecedb