LOS ANGELES — Pedro Martinez's first postseason start in five years will be in a familiar spot.

Martinez is scheduled to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the NL championship series against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium today. The 37-year-old right-hander made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 1992 and also played for Los Angeles in 1993 before he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Delino DeShields.

"It's going to be special, especially bringing back memories about my start here," Martinez said before Game 1 last night. "I was born in this place, and I hope this is not the last one that I pitch here, but if it is, it would be a great joy to actually do it in the same place I started."

Martinez threw a simulated game Tuesday. He had been scheduled to start Game 3 of the division series against Colorado, but manager Charlie Manuel went with J.A. Happ instead when weather delayed the game a day.

Martinez, who hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 30, will be facing his old friend and fellow Dominican Manny Ramirez of the Dodgers.

"Nobody can say I know how to pitch Manny. Manny is such a great hitter, and he's someone that makes adjustments as he sees the game develop," Martinez said.

"Once the game is over, I hope he comes over and gives me the same real hug he always gives me and the same jokes."

Count on it.

"He's like my brother," said Ramirez, who played with Martinez when they were with the Red Sox. "After the game we go and have a beer and everything is fine."

SHORT HOPS

Yankees: New York plans to add Freddy Guzman to its roster for the ALCS in place of Eric Hinske, giving the Yankees a second potential pinch runner in addition to Brett Gardner. "We thought we could use another speed guy in this round," manager Joe Girardi said.

Astros: Former Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost met with the Astros yesterday, the third candidate to interview to become Houston's skipper next season. The Astros plan to interview a total of 10 candidates to replace Cecil Cooper, who was fired on Sept. 21.

Indians: Manny Acta, fired by the Washington Nationals in July, was interviewed by Indians general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti earlier this week for the club's managerial opening. Acta is one of eight to 10 candidates the Indians are conducting initial interviews with this week.