As a player, he appeared in 96 Major League Baseball (MLB) games during 1969 and 1970 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, primarily as a second baseman.

Martínez threw and batted right-handed and was listed as 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) and 178 pounds (81 kg).

Born in Cárdenas in Matanzas Province, Martínez attended La Progresiva High School in his native city and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1961.

[1] Late in May 1970, Martínez returned to the minor leagues, where he spent the remainder of his playing career.

He managed in the Royals' farm system during 1976–1979 and then joined the team's MLB coaching staff.