Martínez improved however, and at the end of the 2000 season narrowly missed pitching a no-hitter, giving up a one-out single in the 9th inning against the Asheville Tourists.

Martínez's performance came just two days after teammate Eric Glaser threw a no-hitter against the Hagerstown Suns.

On July 22, 2003, the Red Sox traded Martínez and Brandon Lyon to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Scott Sauerbeck and Mike González.

[7] After a strong start, going 2–0 with a 1.12 appearances, Martínez was lit up in interleague play and the Red Sox optioned him back to Pawtucket in June when outfielder Trot Nixon came off the disabled list.

Boston manager Terry Francona was optimistic about Martínez's future: "I think he'll go back to Triple A and be a better pitcher.

His return was, however, short lived: entering the 12th inning of a 3–3 tie with the Atlanta Braves, Martínez surrendered a game-winning three-run home run to Nick Green; the next day the Red Sox sent him back to Pawtucket and called up Jimmy Anderson.

Following minor-league spring training the Nationals assigned Martínez to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators, but he made just two appearances before being promoted to the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, where he went 5–11 on the year with a 4.48 ERA as a starter.

Martínez pitched for the Estrellas de Oriente in the Dominican Winter League but did not meet with success, going 0–1 with an ERA of 7.45 in seven appearances.