Schuck on a Truck: Cubs pitching prospect Riley Martin discusses spring training and his progress

QUINCY — Riley Martin admits it’s been a short offseason, but that hasn’t diminished his readiness for spring training.

“I feel like I’ve put in some good work this offseason,” he said. “I’m excited to get back and get started.”

The former Quincy University left-handed All-American hurler will head to Mesa, Ariz., next week to participate in an early spring training mini-camp for Chicago Cubs prospects before he takes part in the minor league camp.

Martin enjoyed a solid 2022 season pitching with the High-A South Bend Cubs before being promoted to Double-A for the Tennessee Smokies’ postseason. He went 7-5 with a 3.89 ERA in 27 appearances at South Bend, striking out 93 in 69.1 innings.

The southpaw then won two games for South Bend in the postseason, helping the Cubs win the Midwest League championship. After that, he joined the Smokies and earned a postseason victory while throwing 3.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

After that, he headed to the Arizona Fall League where he held opponents to a .196 batting average with 19 strikeouts and five walks over 12.2 innings and a 2.84 ERA. It all points to him getting the chance to start the 2023 season at Double-A Tennessee or higher depending on his spring and how other prospects fare.

Martin had the opportunity to come back to Quincy for the QU baseball banquet last Saturday where the 2017 NCAA Division II World Series team was honored.

He took time to join Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate of his pickup truck to discuss his pro career, the improvements and changes he’s made and his prospects moving forward for this episode of “Schuck on a Truck,” brought to you by Area Distributors.