Martinez Showing Some Improvement

The Red Sox seemed no closer Thursday to determining whether ace Pedro Martinez, pulled from Wednesday night’s game after four innings because of a strained muscle in his back, will be able to pitch again this series.

Martinez reported some improvement, but Manager Jimy Williams and General Manager Dan Duquette said they wouldn’t make any decision for another day or two.

“If Pedro thinks he can pitch, he will pitch, but we have to use common sense,” Duquette said. “We’ll . . . see how he does with rest and rehabilitation. He’ll get therapy [Thursday], do some light exercises [today], and we should have a better sense after that.”

Martinez was examined by Dr. William Morgan, who said Martinez is experiencing “persistent” pain in his back. Martinez was listed as day to day.

“I feel better already,” Martinez said in a prepared statement. “I really feel positive about it. Right now I feel looser. In a few hours after treatment I’m hoping to feel even better.”

Ramon Martinez is scheduled to start Game 3 Saturday, and Kent Mercker is slotted for Game 4 Sunday, if necessary. It’s doubtful the Red Sox will risk their $75-million investment by bringing Martinez back for Game 4 on three days’ rest, but if the series goes five games Pedro is a possibility.

“He’d have to throw on the side and show he’s healthy enough to compete and not risk further injury,” Williams said. “We’ll make the best decision we can with his and the doctor’s input.”

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Cleveland first baseman Jim Thome’s fourth-inning grand slam marked the fourth consecutive postseason game in which he has homered, dating to Games 5 and 6 of the AL championship series last year.

Thome also moved into sole possession of fourth place on baseball’s all-time playoff home run list with 14, behind Mickey Mantle (18), Reggie Jackson (18) and Babe Ruth (15).

“Being a kid from Peoria, I never thought I would have my name mentioned with those players, for sure,” Thome said. “It’s kind of nice.”

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How rare were Boston pitcher Bret Saberhagen’s three walks in the third inning Thursday? The right-hander hadn’t walked more than two batters in 20 of his last 22 starts. . . . Indian right-hander Charles Nagy, who gave up one run and five hits in seven innings to gain the victory Thursday, is now 3-0 with a 1.23 earned-run average in three playoff games against the Red Sox. . . . Cleveland second baseman Roberto Alomar is five for eight in this series and is batting .371 (13 for 35) in division series play.