Martinez, Astacio Remain Close Friends

Longtime friends Ramon Martinez and Pedro Astacio don’t spend as much time together as they used to, but distance hasn’t weakened their bond.

The former teammates said it’s like old times when they get together, which they did Tuesday before the Dodgers and Rockies opened a two-game series at Coors Field. They spent the day laughing and reminiscing.

“It’s always the same with Pedro no matter where we are,” Martinez said. “Whenever we see each other, we laugh and we pick each other up. We always have a good time together, but it’s also good to just talk and relax.”

Astacio and Martinez both pitched for the Dodgers from 1992 until Aug. 18, when Astacio was traded to the Rockies for second baseman Eric Young. They speak often during the season, and their families spend time together at their off-season homes in the Dominican Republic.

“It’s always good when I get to see my boy,” said Astacio, who signed a four-year $23-million contract extension with Colorado in the off-season.

“Ramon came over to my house for dinner [Tuesday], and we talked about everything. We talk about our families, about baseball. What we always do.”

Martinez said Astacio was instrumental in his recovery from the rotator cuff tear he suffered last season. They worked out together in the off-season, and Astacio pushed Martinez to accomplish more than he thought he could.

“Pedro was there all the time,” said Martinez, who is 2-1 with a 2.18 earned-run average.

“We would work together, and he kept me going. That meant a lot to me.”

Astacio is pleased by how well Martinez is pitching, and he doesn’t look forward to opposing his friend.

“No, no, no,” said Astacio, who is 1-2 with a 11.15 ERA. “You have to do your job in this game, but I’m not thinking about that.”

Martinez wasn’t pleased when his best friend was traded to the Rockies, but business is business.

“The Dodgers felt they needed to do that, and that is part of the game,” he said. “But that didn’t change anything with me and Pedro. Your friends stay your friends no matter where they go.”

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Young was among the most popular players with fans during his five seasons with the Rockies, and he was welcomed back to Coors Field with a standing ovation before his first at-bat.

“I’ve always had a special relationship with the fans,” he said. “It’s special on both sides, and I hope that’s something that will never change.”

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Fred Claire, executive vice president, was released from Centinela Medical Center as expected. Claire underwent tests Sunday after fainting at Dodger Stadium because of what is believed to be a viral infection, the team said. Doctors said he suffered dehydration, but he is expected to be fine.

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Eric Karros, recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee March 24, ran for the first time and didn’t experience pain, Manager Bill Russell said. Karros is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment soon. . . . Ismael Valdes recorded his 500th career strikeout in the second inning when Neifi Perez struck out swinging for the final out.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ RAMON MARTINEZ (2-1, 2.18 ERA) vs. ROCKIES’ DARRYL KILE (1-2, 6.63 ERA)

Coors Field, 6 PDT.

Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Update--Martinez continues to impress. He earned the victory, 7-2, over the Astros on Friday, and has given up two runs--one earned--with 17 strikeouts in his past 16 innings. Team officials say he hasn’t shown lingering effects from the slight tear on the rotator cuff of his throwing shoulder he suffered last season. “I’m not a doctor, but I can’t remember a guy coming back from what he’s come back from and pitching so well so fast,” Manager Bill Russell said. “It really is something to watch.” Kile left the Houston Astros for a three-year, $24-million contract--but he isn’t having much fun. He has struggled with his control and was booed during much of his first start at home. The Rockies lost their first six games at Coors Field and nine of 10.