Martinez Looks Toward Opening Day

Ramon Martinez knows the satisfaction of being chosen as the Dodgers’ opening-day starter, because he has had the job often.

But the assignment would be especially fulfilling for the right-hander this season because of what he has overcome. Martinez seemingly moved closer to his goal, pitching four innings Wednesday in the Dodgers’ 13-2 victory over the Montreal Expos at Jupiter, Fla.

Martinez gave up two runs and four hits. He struck out four and walked four--loading the bases with three consecutive walks in the second inning.

Although he wasn’t as sharp as in his previous start--an 18-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles--Martinez pitched well enough to maintain the excitement surrounding his comeback from a rotator cuff injury on his throwing shoulder. The strength of his shoulder is his main focus, but opening day is on Martinez’s mind. At least a little.

“When they give you the ball for the first game, you’re the guy they [think] will win a lot of games, will stop losing streaks,” said Martinez, a four-time starter on opening day, including the last three seasons.

“I would be honored to be the opening-day starter, because that means they would consider me to be healthy.”

Thomas Howard, expected to be the fourth outfielder, had another strong game, going two for four with a three-run home run. “I’m not taking anything for granted,” Howard said. “I’m just going to keep playing my game.” . . . Wilton Guerrero is making strides in the outfield. He threw out his brother, Vladimir, at the plate in the first inning, and made a running catch in the third.