Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in the United States every May. Less than a week into June, Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Chris Martin was placed on the injured list with anxiety.
Martin is hardly the first athlete to suffer from anxiety or other mental health issues and is one of several MLB players in recent years who've missed time due to similar circumstances. Major League Baseball has perhaps been the most proactive league in providing resources for its players and recognizing the importance of mental health.
Former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon says there is more the league can do. On Wednesday he urged the MLB to take action and continue its pursuit of finding the best way to handle the state of mental health around the league.
“The Red Sox are on the forefront of dealing with this,” Papelbon said on NESN’s pregame coverage. “Every player goes through (it). There’s no question about it. Sometimes, players resort to things that make sacrifices on their lives. I know (Alex Cora) has talked about this. With Major League Baseball, we’ve got to get with them and figure this out. There has to be some sort of list we can put these guys on. It’s different than an injury.”
Dozens of MLB players have spent time on the injured list due to mental health-related conditions over the last two decades. Once frowned upon and met with unsuccessful solutions, mental health discussions have turned positive in sports and the world in general.
Red Sox, MLB trying to end stigma around mental health
As mental health continues to be more accepted both inside and outside of sports, more athletes and coaches are opening up about their battles. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that he dealt with demons during his playing career, ones that impacted his performance and his family life.
Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and reliever Kenley Jansen have spoken about their struggles with mental health as well. The Red Sox are providing as much help and resources as they can for their employees.
Boston's chief baseball officer Craig Breslow recognizes the importance of exhausting all avenues to find help. He applauded teams that have made that a priority, as well as the players who are utilizing it.
“I think we should applaud Chris’ willingness to speak up and confront this challenge head on,” Breslow said, per Jen McCaffrey. “As an organization, we fully support that and have a bunch of resources here, including a behavioral health program that’s intended to help players and staff address situations like this.”
Chris Martin approached the Red Sox last weekend to discuss his anxiety. He said it was starting to affect his ability to pitch at the level he is used to.
The Red Sox intend to give Chris Martin as much time as he needs, although the nine-year MLB veteran is already pleased with his progress early on. He is in the second year of a two-year contract he signed with Boston as a free agent in December 2022.
