The Associated Press

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Atlanta Braves closer John Smoltz called on Major League Baseball to adopt tougher steroid testing policies.

Saying the sport's integrity is at stake, Smoltz said that he doesn't even understand the testing policy adopted as part of the collective bargaining agreement in 2002.

"The more this becomes a monster, the more it plays into everybody's mind," Smoltz said Sunday. "There's a way they should do tests. Do them the way they should be done - not a platform that's just a smoke screen."

Smoltz doesn't think steroids are the primary reason that homers have gone up dramatically in recent years. He pointed to smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training.

But Smoltz also said the issue of performance-enhancing drugs must be addressed in a more meaningful way.

"It's not right," he said. "It's not a level playing field."

Smoltz said he's never taken steroids and doesn't know of anyone who has, but he believes all players are being tainted by the transgressions of a few.

RED SOX: Pedro Martinez's return to the mound was much better than his last appearance there.

The Red Sox ace threw 49 pitches Sunday - fastballs, curves and changeups - all with pinpoint control as he pitched for the first time in 4 1/2 months.

"For so long without actually touching a mound, I thought it was great," Martinez said. "It was nice and loose, smooth."

SHORT HOPS: Josh Beckett will start the Florida Marlins' spring training opener Thursday, his first competitive action since winning Game 6 of the World Series.

• Mets shortstop Kaz Matsui will be sidelined for a week after injuring a finger on his throwing hand during infield drills Sunday.

• Pitcher Zach Day came to contract terms with the Expos. Day, a 25-year-old La Salle grad, was 9-8 with a 3.86 ERA in his first full major league season last year.