Martinez Put on Waivers

Dennis Martinez, struggling to add to his 241 career victories, was put on waivers by the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.

Martinez, 42, was 1-5 record and a 7.71 earned-run average in nine starts. He leads active pitchers in victories, and is two wins short of Juan Marichal’s record for most victories by a Latin pitcher.

Martinez failed to win in his last seven starts for Seattle.

Pitcher Mike Maddux was promoted from triple-A Tacoma to fill Martinez’s spot.

Martinez is 241-187 lifetime with a 3.70 ERA. He threw a perfect game for the Montreal Expos against the Dodgers in 1991.

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Cleveland Indian outfielder Kevin Mitchell, a former most valuable player relegated to pinch-hitting at 35, was designated for assignment, four days after getting into a clubhouse scuffle that landed Chad Curtis on the disabled list.

The Indians have 10 days to request waivers on Mitchell, assign him outright to the minors or trade him. Mitchell can refuse a minor league assignment and become a free agent. He did not comment about his release.

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Todd Walker, who began the season as a Rookie of the Year candidate for the Minnesota Twins, was sent down to triple-A Salt Lake City.

Walker, the Twins’ No. 1 draft pick in 1994 after a superb career at Louisiana State, was batting .121 in his last 20 games. He also had a difficult time learning to play third base after spending most of his college and minor league career at second.

The Twins activated starting pitcher Bob Tewksbury from the disabled list.

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Baltimore Manager Davey Johnson went home to Winter Park, Fla., for “personal reasons” and hitting coach Rick Down managed the Orioles against Cleveland on Saturday.

Oriole spokesman John Maroon declined to give specific reasons for Johnson’s departure, saying only that there was nothing wrong with Johnson’s health.

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Third baseman Matt Williams returned to Cleveland’s lineup after missing two games with a bruised finger.