Pedro ready to pitch after period of inactivity

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Philadelphia Phillies (1-1) at Los Angeles Dodgers (3-1), 4:07 p.m.

Pedro Martinez hopes to turn back the clock this afternoon when the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers play Game 2 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium.

Martinez is no stranger to the big stage, but hasn't pitched in the postseason since 2004 when he helped lead the Boston Red Sox to the World Series title. He owns a career postseason mark of 6-2 with a 3.40 ERA in 13 games, including 11 starts.

The 37-year-old righty will also have a little extra motivation today, as he will be facing the team he broke into the majors with back in 1992.

Pedro to start Game 2 for Phils

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has decided to start Pedro Martinez for Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees.

Cliff Lee is slated to start the opener on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, and Manuel's decision to start Martinez in Game 2 will push last year's World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, back for a Game 3 outing at Citizens Bank Park.

"I wanted to split my lefties up, and also I felt like Pedro was the ideal guy to go in between them because of what type of pitcher he is, and his command, how he can change speeds, and the fact that he's been here before," said Manuel. "And I think this is going to be a real big moment for him, and I think he's used to it and he's done it before, and I think he's the guy that's more apt to handle it good. I think this is a perfect setting for him."

New York Yankees (9-3) at Philadelphia Phillies (8-4), 8:20 p.m.

CC Sabathia starts on short rest this evening when the New York Yankees try to take a commanding lead in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 at Citizens Bank Park.

New York grabbed a 2-1 advantage in this best-of-seven set on Saturday, as Nick Swisher went 2-for-4 with one of the Yankees' three homers in the 8-5 win.

The Yankees had scored just four runs in the first two games combined, having been shut down by Cliff Lee in a Game 1 loss before scraping out a win against Pedro Martinez in Game 2 thanks to a superb effort by A.J. Burnett.

Los Angeles Dodgers (4-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (4-2), 8:07 p.m.

Cliff Lee tries to continue his magnificent postseason this evening, as the National League Championship Series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 between the Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park

"They've got an unbelievable lineup, which is my concern," Lee said. "Top to bottom it is pretty impressive. So you've got to limit your mistakes and work ahead in the count and mix speeds. If you do that, good things should happen."

Lee was magnificent for Philadelphia in his two starts against the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS, yielding just two earned runs in 16 1/3 innings.

Martinez promises Phillies, fans they'll see the real Pedro

Pedro Martinez says he was "too brave" when he pitched hurt his final years in New York, and he's excited about his return to the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Martinez agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with the Phillies on Wednesday.

The team put the three-time Cy Young winner on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder strain. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has confidence Martinez will be ready to pitch in two to three weeks.