Martinez Wins Job

Dennis Martinez has been pitching in the major leagues since 1976. But he was as excited as a rookie Sunday when the Atlanta Braves confirmed that he won a job.

Martinez, who is only two victories behind Juan Marichal as the winningest Latin American pitcher in baseball history, was part of the 25-man roster announced by the Braves after their final exhibition game, a 6-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Turner Field.

“I had to show I was healthy and could get people out. I did that,” said Martinez, who pitched better than his 0-2 record and 5.00 ERA in spring training indicates. “Still, I was excited when I heard the news.”

Martinez began last season in Seattle’s rotation but was cut May 24 after going 1-5 with a 7.71 ERA. Troubled by elbow and knee problems, he sat out the rest of the season, then pitched well enough in the Puerto Rico winter league to earn a tryout with the Braves as a non-roster player.

“We were not sure about Dennis,” Braves manager Bobby Cox admitted. “The medical reports were not good. But he’s been the surprise of camp.”

Martinez will work as the Braves fifth starter until John Smoltz returns. Smoltz, who underwent elbow surgery in December, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday and is scheduled to make at least two minor-league rehabilitation starts.

Pavlik is odd man out

Roger Pavlik, an all-star for the Texas Rangers two years ago, isn’t happy about starting the season in the bullpen.

Manager Johnny Oates picked Bobby Witt and Rick Helling for the final two spots in his rotation, leaving Pavlik as a long and middle reliever.

“Well, who would like to hear that?” Pavlik said. “The thing is, I don’t want to be a reliever, but what can you do when you’ve got six guys out there who can start? I’ll say it again, though: I want to be a starter.”

John Burkett, Darren Oliver and Aaron Sele are the team’s top three starters.

“There was no one reason,” Oates said of his decision. “I went by a gut feeling. They were equal, and I can’t start all six.”

Smith shops for team

Lee Smith, 40, baseball’s career saves leader, still hopes to catch on with another team.

“Right now, I know it’s tough with teams cutting back guys, not picking up guys,” said Smith, who on Friday refused Kansas City’s request that he go to the minors. “I thought I’d see if I could get with another ballclub before I made my decision on the Triple-A thing. I ain’t weighing too close toward it, I know.”

Smith, who saved 478 games for eight teams in 18 years, was asked by Royals manager Tony Muser to accept an assignment to Triple-A Omaha. Kansas City wants to protect Jim Pittsley and Brian Bevley, who are out of options.

“I don’t want to go down to Triple A for a month or so, hoping that Brian doesn’t throw strikes and stuff,” Smith said. “That’s kind of a weak act for somebody with 18 years in the big leagues to be waiting for somebody to screw up.”

Cards, Mets swap pitchers

The Cardinals and New York Mets traded pitchers, with right-hander starter Juan Acevedo going to St. Louis for left-hander Rigo Beltran.

Acevedo, 27, was 3-1 with a 3.59 ERA in two starts and 23 relief appearances last season, striking out 33 in 47 innings.

Beltran, 28, pitched in 35 games with St. Louis in 1997, going 1-2 with a 3.48 ERA.

Guzman retires

Pitcher Jose Guzman has ended his comeback attempt with the Texas Rangers, announcing his retirement Sunday.

Guzman, 34, was 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in six appearances this spring after signing a minor-league contract with the Rangers.

He had not pitched since 1994 due to shoulder problems. Guzman was assigned to Oklahoma of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League on March 17, but did not pitch after developing tendinitis in his throwing shoulder.

Guzman finishes his career with an 80-74 record with the Rangers and Chicago Cubs.

Exhibition highlights

At Bradenton, Fla., Mark McGwire hit his seventh homer of the spring to help the St. Louis Cardinals edge the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2.

At Atlanta, John Valentin hit a tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning and the Boston Red Sox went on to defeat the Braves 6-2.

At Baltimore, Rick Reed pitched five perfect innings and Carlos Baerga homered to spark the New York Mets to a 4-2 win over the Orioles.

At Oakland, Calif., Rickey Henderson and Ben Grieve drove in two runs each to lead the Athletics to a 6-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

At Los Angeles, Todd Zeile and Trenidad Hubbard homered off Jack McDowell during a four-run second inning and the Dodgers held on for a 4-2 victory over the Anaheim Angels.