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Martinez makes return as Mets face Giants

Jun 3, 2008 - 1:35 PM NY Mets (28-28) at San Francisco (25-33) 10:15 pm EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) - Pedro Martinez makes his much-anticipated return to the rotation when the New York Mets continue a three-game series with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.

A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Martinez (0-0, 10.80 ERA) has been sidelined since April 1 when he left his first start of the season with a strained left hamstring.

Martinez made his final rehab start for Class A Port St. Lucie on Thursday, allowing two runs and four hits in six innings against Vero Beach. Aside from bolstering the rotation, the eccentric righthander will help lighten the mood in the clubhouse.

It may be too much to ask, but the Mets desperately need Martinez to give the bullpen a break after Oliver Perez lasted just one-third of an inning in Monday's 10-2 loss.

If Martinez weren't making his return, the story of this game would be Barry Zito (1-8, 5.53). The lefthander lost his first eight starts and was demoted to the bullpen. Since May 7, however, Zito has allowed three runs or less in each of his five outings.

Zito allowed three runs and six hits in six innings, but did not factor into the decision in a 4-3 win over Arizona on Thursday.