Martinez to remain at home after funeral

New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez said Friday that he will remain in the Dominican Republic for a couple more days after the death of his father. The 36-year-old did not provide specifics, but thanked his fans for their support as he left under a heavy thunderstorm following his father's burial. Martinez had gone home just before the All-Star break to be with his father, Pablo Jaime, who died Wednesday at age 79 after battling a form of brain cancer for more than a year. Martinez had been scheduled to pitch Friday night against St. Louis. Instead, Mike Pelfrey will start for the Mets. The three-time Cy Young Award winner hasn't pitched since leaving his July 12 start with a sore shoulder and tightness in... [read full story]