Pedro Is Close

David Lennon at On The Mets Beat, writes about Pedro Martinez and his final Phase in his return:

The Mets were thrilled to announce today that Pedro Martinez cruised through a three-inning simulated game in Port St. Lucie and will now take the next week to 10 days off before beginning what should be a rehab stint in the minors when he returns. Martinez threw 50 pitches, using his full repertoire of breaking stuff, and the Mets still are looking at early August for his return. As for the break, assistant GM John Ricco characterized it as a chance for Martinez to "recharge" after a strenuous ninth-month workout regimen.

"I think every time he's hit one of these milestones," Ricco said, "we start to get a little more excited."