ST. LOUIS — Pedro Martinez, one of the top righthanders in baseball history, will try to prove to the Phillies that he can still pitch.

The 37-year-old arrived in Philadelphia Monday, and will undergo a physical at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Martinez will be examined by team medical personnel, and could finalize a contract with the Phillies shortly thereafter, if all goes well. The potential signing of Martinez will not preclude the Phils from seeking to trade for a top starter like Toronto’s Roy Halladay.
The Phillies first scouted Martinez last Monday in the Dominican Republic, when special assistant Charley Kerfeld watched the veteran throw a simulated game. The team again watched Martinez in a simulated game on Friday. If he passes his physical and signs with the team, Martinez would likely need several minor-league starts to fine-tune his repertoire.
Martinez is 214-99 with a 2.91 earned run average in 17 seasons, and last pitched for the Mets. Last year, he was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA for New York.
The Phils were well represented at Monday’s All-Star festivities, and players expressed excitement about the potential signing of Martinez.
“I think he can help us a lot,” centerfielder Shane Victorino said. “If he pitches and he’s hungry like I’ve seen, he’s the kind of big-game pitcher who wants the ball. ... If we get him, I’m sure he’ll be excited, and I guess we’ll be excited, too. If we can get those two guys, then we put ourselves in a pretty good position.”
Said rightfielder Jayson Werth: “I think he is going to fit in great with our club, and he’s still got some bullets left.”
Second baseman Chase Utley expressed initial skepticism about the news that Martinez was headed for a physical. “Did we sign him?” Utley said. “Like, for sure? Is this rumor mill? Do you have pictures?”
Informed of the details, Utley said: “I’ve heard he is throwing better than he did last year. If that’s the case, he’s going to be good. He’s tough.”