Buck Martinez missing from Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts due to 'health setback'
Buck Martinez did not make his return to the broadcast booth on Monday night.
Scheduled to return to Sportsnet’s airwaves in time for a four-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees at Rogers Centre, the popular broadcaster was nowhere to be found.
Instead, it was analyst Joe Siddall riding shotgun with play-by-play man Dan Shulman, calling the game.
Martinez says he’s dealing with a “little health setback,” per a statement from the 76-year-old, shared with Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
“Hey Blue Jays fans, I was planning to be back in the booth tonight after some scheduled time off, but I recently had a little health setback,” Martinez announced.
“While I’m feeling pretty good, I am going to take some extra time off out of an abundance of caution. I hope to see you at the ballpark soon. As always, thanks for all your love and support!”
Here is the statement from Buck Martinez.
Wishing him all the best, and a healthy return. He’s the man. pic.twitter.com/NsG8VF2Juf
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) June 30, 2025
The former catcher and longtime broadcaster has taken on a reduced workload in recent years, so he doesn’t work all 162 games anymore. He missed the last 28 games prior to tonight.
Martinez announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer in April 2022, but returned to the broadcast booth later that season, following treatments.