Pedro Martinez returns from shoulder surgery, becomes 15th pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts

Maybe he was, but his fastball sure wasn't. His best pitch still had some catching up to do.

His first three pitches registered only 82, 82 and 83 mph. He gave up a pair of runs, then seemed to get over his initial cautiousness. He threw back-to-back fastballs to Javier Valentin that registered 88 mph, then another that hit 89.

The right-hander looked so good in a bullpen session Friday in Atlanta that the Mets decided to bring him back after only four rehabilitation appearances in the low minors. There was one catch: He would be limited to 75 pitches, no more than 35 in one inning.

It's a gamble for the NL East leaders. A few short appearances by Martinez could deplete their bullpen in a hurry - one of the worst things that can happen to a contender in September.

Given Martinez's playoff history - he pitched in four of Boston's playoff appearances and helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004 - they figured he was worth the risk.

"There's nothing to expect other than he'll be his old self," manager Willie Randolph said before the game. "I'm like you guys: It's anyone's guess what he'll do."