Astros prospect Martin undergoes Tommy John surgery

Prized Houston Astros pitching prospect Corbin Martin underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this week, general manager Jeff Luhnow told reporters on Friday. The right-hander felt a pop in his elbow while pitching for Triple-A Round Rock on June 23. Martin underwent season-ending surgery on Wednesday and will likely miss most of the 2020 campaign.

Martin is rated the club's No. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline. He was a second-round pick in 2017 by the Astros. Martin, 23, went 1-1 with a 5.59 ERA in five starts for Houston earlier this season. He is 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA in nine appearances (eight starts) at Round Rock.

The Astros were hoping Martin would return to the major league club later in the season. Now they may keep a close eye on available pitchers, particularly with All-Star right-hander Marcus Stroman of the Toronto Blue Jays and left-hander Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants potentially available. Houston also is reportedly highly interested in Detroit Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd. --Field Level Media