The Rays’ Unlikely Ace

This afternoon, Nick Martinez will make his 30th start of the year. Thirty starts isn’t usually a huge milestone, at least not for a major league veteran. More than 30 pitchers have already hit that mark in 2026. Yet, for Martinez, that nice, round number 30 represents something special. The right-hander has played 16 professional campaigns. He has pitched for six organizations. He is now 36 years old. This will be the first time he’s ever reached 30 starts in a season. Martinez was a shortstop in college. The Rangers, however, liked what they saw from him in the handful…