Pedro may return to playoff spotlight

PHILADEPLHIA -- Pedro Martinez found himself surrounded in front of his locker Thursday at Citizens Bank Park.

The scene seemed fitting.

This is the postseason, and for years, the playoffs have been Martinez's stage. Arguably the most dominant pitcher of his era, Martinez is 6-2 with a 3.40 ERA in 13 postseason appearances.

Eleven of those have been starts, but none of them have been since he threw seven shutout innings against the Cardinals in Game 3 of the 2004 World Series. That year, he helped the Red Sox win their first Fall Classic since 1918.

Phillies at a glance 2009 record: 93-69 2008 record: 92-70 NL East champs NLCS matchup: Phillies at Dodgers Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Madson: Back in business • Werth: Heart of the order • Rollins: Awaiting breakout • Focus: One game at a time • Manuel: Mix & match • Howard: Ready for lefties • Stairs: Shot reverberates • Manuel: New rules for 'pen • Blanton: Arm around team • Pedro: Return to spotlight • Ibanez: Eyes on prize • Rollins: '07 irrelevant • Lidge: Still an option • Lidge: Killer cutter • Roster: Mulling options • Ibanez: Perfect fit • Hamels: Path of the pros • Amaro: Bold decisions • Pedro: Elated to play part • Rollins: No more predictions • Hamels: Back in business • Pitching: Staff in flux • Manuel: Keeps 'em focused • Hamels: Aims for dominance • Lineup: Imperfect but solid • Lee: Ready for playoff debut • Howard: The evolution • Rollins: Excelling on defense • Rotation: Not just big two • Manuel: Steady as she goes • Rollins: Eyes on '09 drama • Howard: The 'Big Piece' • Lee: Lifting Phils' hopes More Phillies coverage • Howard ties Gehrig's postseason RBI record Bats, Lee team up for rout in Game 3 Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark Postseason going brilliant-Lee for lefty Blanton seeks return to clutch form Upbeat Moyer happy to rejoin club Phils rounding into title form Manuel committed to Lidge Cold temperatures will be a challenge Pedro brilliant, but Phils falter late in Game 2 Pedro masterful in return to big stage Utley at center of defensive struggles Phillies turn to Lee for Game 3 Phillies warmed by return to chilly home Bullpen woes return in Game 2 loss Bodley: Utley error opens door Phillies' power capitalizes on free passes Mix-and-match relief works vs. LA Phils edge Rockies for 2-1 NLDS lead Lidge finds redemption in crucial spot Umps admit missing call on Utley hit Given extra day, Phils to go with Happ Phillies glad to see Game 3 postponed Extra off-day alters clubs' options Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Myers feeling good after playoff outing Hamels to rejoin Phillies after birth of son Moyer in hospital with blood infection Phils rally, but must settle for split Clubs trade places for Game 3 Pedro, Blanton, Happ up for Game 3 nod Chilly reception awaits in Denver It's not sunny in Philadelphia for Hamels Hamels leaves to be with wife in labor Kalas still a presence in Phils' house Utley battling past late-season struggles Phillies, Rockies fill familiar roles Lee masterful in opening victory Phillies show patience, break through Running shoes put to good use Wind makes for wild afternoon Hamels unhappy with starting times Phils will use all bullpen options Avenging '07 not on Phils' minds Reserves shine in regular-season finale With loss, Phils plan ahead for NLDS Phils remain one back for home-field Phils fall game back for best record Phils clinch third straight NL East crown Eyeing historic postseason run NLDS opponent to be determined Phils power way closer to clinch Moyer exits game with left groin strain Manuel talks to Phils behind closed doors Phils hold on, lower magic number to 3 Walk-off slows Phils in Milwaukee Two mistakes cost Lee, Phillies dearly Pedro scratched, Kendrick to start Happ strong as Phillies pound Brewers After twin-bill split with Fish, Phils focus on finale Phils wait out rain, win finale over Braves Phils have hard road to repeat glory Manuel wants Phillies to turn it up a notch Finishing strong motivates Phillies Kendrick shines in first start Lidge endures roller-coaster week

Martinez, 37, could make his postseason return Saturday with a start against the Rockies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Coors Field.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has not named a starter, but he said it is between Martinez and right-hander Joe Blanton. Left-hander J.A. Happ, who left Game 2's 5-4 loss with a bruised left leg after he was struck by a liner, said he is OK to pitch.

"I've been around long enough to know that it's my turn," Martinez said. "Of course I want to be out there. We're trained to do this. We're preparing ourselves the whole season to get this opportunity. I can't wait to get an opportunity to see what I can do for this team.

"According to the way everything went today, I'm supposed to get some action in there. And I'm looking forward to getting an opportunity to help this team. Hopefully, I'll be able to do that."

Martinez went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts this season for the Phillies, but he has pitched just once since Sept. 19 -- a four-inning effort Sept. 30 against Houston.

That is just one start in 19 days.

"It doesn't matter how much you practice in the bullpen," Martinez said of the long layoff. "It's never the same in a game. Intensity. Being in the playoffs. I would have loved to have had an opportunity to pitch a little bit more, but that wasn't the situation. We had pretty good guys pitching in front of me. I'll give them the ball back if you ask."

But Martinez might have more to battle than just rust. Temperatures are expected to be in the lows 30s on Saturday, with the chance for snow.

"Concerns?" Martinez said. "I'm going to enjoy the snow. Maybe I'll be rounding the bases in a snowmobile."

Snow or not, Martinez realizes this could be his last opportunity to shine in the postseason. He would like to make the most of it.

"I'm 36 years old, I'll take whatever opportunities that I can get anymore," he said. "Whatever I have left, I'm going to leave it all out there."