Yep, you read that right. Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez took a big step toward returning from an injured hamstring yesterday, and on the same day talked candidly with the Daily News about the possibility of retirement following the 2008 season.

Pedro’s 78-year-old father, Pablo, is battling a form of brain cancer, and according to Pedro, his father’s illness is weighing on him. “I haven’t been there for them,” Pedro told the News. “I just realized that between last year and this year I haven’t been there for my family, my parents…After this season, I’m going to go back home and think about it and I’m going to decide.”

Clearly Pedro has left a window open for his return in ‘09, and as recently as this past Spring Training he was contemplating extending his contract beyond the season. Still, the article paints a grim picture of Pablo Martinez’s failing health, and you can hardly fault Pedro for feeling conflicted. After all, following his shoulder surgery in October 2006, Pedro voiced the sentiment that every day of baseball going forward was a gift. It would be a shame to see the Hall-of-Famer pulled away from the game prematurely.

As for Pedro’s health, the 36-year-old righty tossed 4-1/3 innings in an extended spring training game on Monday, surrendering two runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out five and walking none. Most encouraging of all was the radar gun readings, which already show the pitcher throwing in the high-80s and topping out at 90 on one occasion. His command seems to be right on track as well, as he threw 54 of 73 pitches for strikes.

The next step for Pedro will be to rejoin the team in Atlanta to throw a bullpen session. Given his progress, it’s conceivable that Pedro could toe the rubber for the Mets as early as next week when the team faces the Florida Marlins at Shea.