Red Sox release Carlos Martínez from minor-league deal; right-hander posted 20.77 ERA in 2 starts for Triple-A Worcester

Less than two weeks after signing him, the Red Sox released right-hander Carlos Martinez from his minor-league contract on Tuesday, per MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo.

Martinez, 30, inked a minors pact with Boston on May 7 after opting out of his deal with the Giants and becoming a free-agent in late April.

Assigned to Triple-A Worcester out of the gate, Martinez made just two starts for the WooSox and struggled mightily, allowing 10 earned runs on nine hits, three walks, and four strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings of work. That is good for an ERA of 20.77.

This was a reunion of sorts between Martinez and the Red Sox, who originally signed the Dominican native as an international free-agent (and infielder) in 2009 before the deal was voided.

The following year, Martinez signed with the Cardinals and went on to spend the first nine seasons of his major-league career in St. Louis while being named to two National League All-Star teams. He made 16 starts for the Cards in 2021 before undergoing season-ending surgery in July to repair a torn thumb ligament in his right hand.

After St. Louis declined his $17 million club option for 2022 over the winter, Martinez became a free-agent and has already spent time with two different organizations since then.

Now back on the open market, Martinez — who turns 31 in September — will look to get back on track and revitalize his big-league career elsewhere.