Reports: Phillies Interested In Signing Pitcher Pedro Martinez

July 10, 2009 3:28 p.m. EST

Philadelphia, PA (AHN) - Impressed after watching Pedro Martinez throw a simulated game this week, the Philadelphia Philies reportedly might be close to deal with the three-time CY Young winner.

Reports by local media outfits in the Dominican Republican indicated that the Phillies were on the verge of landing the 37-year-old Martinez for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, the Examiner.com reported that Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro would not confirm or deny the club's interest on Martinez.

The eighth-time All-Star selection was traded to the Boston Red Sox by the Expos in 1997.

In his first season with the Mets in 2005, he went 15-8 and had a 2.82 ERA.

Dealing with a hamstring problem and the demise of his father last year, Martinez finished with a disappointing 5-6 mark with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts.

Martinez' possible return to the big leagues via the Phils could affect the clubs' chances in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes.