Pedro out after 61 pitches

[RFay8585]

... why?

[Payne Dailey]

Probably the 8-0 lead but I don't know.

[Amazinz]

This is being covered in the Game Commentary section. Pedro looked fine and I think Willie is just resting him with the large lead. There has been nothing reported on either broadcast to suggest otherwise.

[Rirruto]

Martinez threw an economical six innings Sunday, allowing Atlanta just two hits on 61 pitches and then turned a comfortable six-run lead over to the New York bullpen in what became an 8-1 victory for the Mets over the Braves.

``I had an easy day and I deserved it, didn't I?'' Martinez said. ``It was an easy day at the office.''

With Martinez coasting, manager Willie Randolph shortened the ace right-hander's outing, lifting him after six and using three relievers to finish off the Braves.

``I just wanted to get the bullpen some work,'' he said. ``Even though he had a low pitch count, anytime I can take Pedro out leading 6-0, I'll do it and that's what I did.''

That was fine with Martinez (11-3).

``I agree with everything they do,'' he said. ``I trust them completely. They know what they're doing. I could use the rest for the future so I can be healthy for August and September, when they need me.''

I just hope they're not hiding anything bigger

[Madison]

Wonder if they will pitch him a day early now, since today wasn't really anything more than just warmup in a blowout. I'd happily take an extra start out of him for the year.

[chadlincoln]

He still put up great numbers for me with WHIP and ERA.