Pedro Martinez says he's on way to retirement

SANTO DOMINGO — Pedro Martinez has virtually ruled out a return to the major leagues and says he is on his way to retirement.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner gave an interview that was broadcast Sunday in the Dominican Republic.

"I keep active because I have not announced my retirement, because that is something that takes time and you have to plan it. Plus, it is something that the Dominican people expected," Martinez said.

Martinez, 38, has not pitched in the majors since the 2009 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Dominican right-hander was recently quoted as saying he was working toward a return to the majors and his first option would be the Boston Red Sox, but Martinez said those comments were taken out of context.

"I did not mean I'm going to Boston," he said.

In 18 big league seasons, Martinez was 219-100 with a 2.93 ERA and 3,154 strikeouts with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.