Martinez Retires After 21 Seasons

Dennis Martinez, one of the few pitchers to throw a perfect game and win 100 games in each league, retired Wednesday after 21 years in the majors.

Martinez, 42, cited the lack of an opportunity to keep pitching as his reason for leaving.

“After playing major league baseball for 21 seasons, I have come to the conclusion that it is now time to leave the game,” Martinez said. “I have been blessed many times in my life, but after my family, I view my career in baseball as the greatest blessing of all.”

Martinez, a four-time all-star, played 11 seasons with Baltimore, followed by seven seasons with Montreal and three with Cleveland. He played this season for Seattle until being released last month. He had a 241-187 record, two victories short of Juan Marichal’s record for a Latin American pitcher.

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The Baltimore Orioles put catcher Chris Hoiles on the 15-day disabled list, two days after he tore a knee ligament in a collision at the plate. . . . Cleveland Indian left fielder David Justice, who hyper-extended his left elbow on a practice swing, said he hopes to return to the lineup Friday against the New York Yankees.