nick martinez

Search interest for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez rose sharply in October 2026 as the team prepared to face the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series. With the Rays holding a 2-0 series lead, search volume climbed alongside headlines previewing Martinez's scheduled start and his history at Yankee Stadium.

Return to Yankee Stadium

As reported by MLB.com, Martinez returns to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 in what marks his first career postseason start. The matchup carries unique personal context for Martinez, who spent his college days pitching and hitting for Fordham University. During his junior year, after a practice was canceled, Martinez attended a game between the Yankees and Red Sox as a spectator and was eventually ejected from the ballpark after consuming "a few too many adult beverages." Years later, he returned as a major league pitcher and will now attempt to help the Rays sweep the Yankees and advance to the ALCS.

Regular Season Performance and Bullpen Context

Martinez enters the contest following a strong regular season in his first year with Tampa Bay. According to MLB.com, he finished the year 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA, 3.9 wins above replacement, and a 2.38 road ERA across 16 away starts, which included allowing only three runs over 12 innings in two outings at Yankee Stadium.

Yahoo Sports reported that the Rays hold a 2-0 series advantage over the Yankees, backed by a bullpen that remains largely rested. If Martinez provides length in Game 3, manager Kevin Cash will have nearly untouched relief options available, including Tyler Wells, Garrett Cleavinger, and Kevin Kelly, alongside multi-inning options like Griffin Jax.