SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez said Friday that he will remain in the Dominican Republic for a couple more days after the death of his father.

The 36-year-old did not provide specifics, but thanked his fans for their support as he left under a heavy thunderstorm following his father's burial.

Martinez had gone home just before the all-star break to be with his father, Pablo Jaime, who died Wednesday at age 79 after battling a form of brain cancer for more than a year.

Martinez had been scheduled to pitch Friday night against St. Louis. Instead, Mike Pelfrey will start for the Mets.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner hasn't pitched since leaving his July 12 start with a sore shoulder and tightness in his groin.