The Blue Jays optioned Orelvis Martinez to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, per team updates, after he resumed action following a Monday hip injury this spring.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez’s .320/.393/.480 line with 1 homer in 28 spring plate appearances, despite a Monday fastball hit to the hip, ends with a Thursday Triple-A Buffalo stint over a Blue Jays roster spot. The 23-year-old’s bat stays hot. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should stash him, expecting his everyday Triple-A play to pave a midseason path to Toronto in 2025.

Orelvis Martinez left Monday’s Grapefruit League game against the Phillies in the seventh inning with a left hip contusion after a 96-mph fastball hit him, per team updates.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez, struck by a 96-mph fastball in his only plate appearance Monday, is day-to-day with a hip contusion but likely headed to Triple-A Buffalo, not Toronto’s Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old will play daily there. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should stash him, as his infield upside could shine midseason if he earns a Blue Jays call-up.

Blue Jays prospect Orelvis Martinez will get a legitimate opportunity to earn a spot on the 26-man roster this spring and could even push for the starting third base job, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. While Ernie Clement is the presumed favorite to open at third, Martinez offers the most upside at the position. The 23-year-old endured a turbulent 2024, missing 80 games due to a PED suspension, but he impressed at Triple-A Buffalo, slashing .267/.346/.523 with 17 homers over 74 games.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez’s best path to the Opening Day roster is in a bench role, backing up second and third base in a short-side platoon. However, if he flashes his power early in the season and proves to be a serviceable defender, he could carve out a starting role. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on his spring performance, as his raw power makes him an intriguing stash candidate.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Orelvis Martinez “still needs to prove he’s playable defensively” as the young infielder moves between second and third base during spring training. Schneider emphasized that Martinez has "a lot of work" to do and that this camp will be key in determining his role.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez’s power potential makes him an intriguing fantasy prospect, but his defensive struggles could limit his playing time. The Blue Jays’ infield is filled with contact-first hitters, giving Martinez a path to a bench role if he can show adequate glove work. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should monitor his spring progress, as his bat could be valuable if he earns regular at-bats.

The Toronto Blue Jays optioned Orelvis Martinez to the Rookie FCL Blue Jays.

Fantasy Impact

The 80-game suspension Martinez was serving ended on Monday. He'll compete for a starting spot in spring training next year.