Frustrated Martinez ready for simulated game

5/12/2008 5:31 PM

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -Pedro Martinez plans to throw a simulated game against minor leaguers Wednesday, another step toward returning to the New York Mets' rotation from a frustrating leg injury.

Martinez, who strained his left hamstring April 1 during his season debut, 1, threw a bullpen session Monday. The injury has been difficult for the three-time Cy Young Award winner to handle, especially because he missed most of the 2007 season following right rotator cuff surgery.

``Not depressed, I'm not that kind of person that gets depressed, but it's frustrating how hard I worked,'' Martinez said. ``My arm is feeling great. My arm really hasn't given me any problems and now a hamstring. A hamstring, out of all cases a hamstring. Go figure.''

Martinez is expected to rejoin the Mets next month. New York hopes the 36-year-old right-hander will have the form that made him an eight-time All-Star.

``I don't know, I need to pitch first,'' Martinez said. ``Pitching and being great is not about talking. It's not talking that defines greatness. Greats are defined inside the white lines. That's where you become great or you become whatever you are. As far as Port St. Lucie and rehab, I'm nothing. Nothing counts. It's all wasted words.''

Neither Martinez nor Mets minor league rehabilitation coordinator Randy Niemann would speculate on a date for Martinez's return.

``It's something that you just have to wait for it to heal,'' Martinez said. ``Now I'm about to get back. Hopefully, it won't happen again. These things keep happening.''

Martinez still hopes to pitch next season.

``It's just a hamstring,'' Martinez said. ``Everybody comes back from a hamstring.''