"Phillies manager Charlie Manuel dropped a few big hints the past few days that Pedro Martinez would pitch Game 2 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.

He made it official Tuesday morning.

Manuel announced during his weekly appearance on The Michael Smerconish Show on WPHT Radio in Philadelphia that Martinez will start against the New York Yankees in Game 2 on Thursday and Cole Hamels will start Game 3 on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

Martinez is 11-11 with a 3.20 ERA in 32 career starts against the Yankees in the regular season, and is 8-4 with a 2.95 ERA in 16 career starts at Yankee Stadium.

He is 1-2 with a 4.72 ERA in six postseason appearances against the Yankees, and is 0-2 with a 5.93 ERA in his past five.

"When we signed Pedro, I wondered what kind of shape he was in and what condition his arm was in," Manuel told reporters before Monday's workout at Citizens Bank Park. "I think he passed both of those tests. I was watching those [postseason] games the other day on MLB [Network]. His velocity was sitting around 87 to 91, 92 mph. At times [this year] he's throwing better than that. His command is still good. He has a tremendous feel for pitching and he loves to pitch. He likes the stage.

"Pedro has been in the big environment. He's pitched about everywhere you can pitch. I don't think nothing is going to really bother him or get him upset. I think we can pitch him in either ballpark, really. I don't think it matters at all." "