Hideo Nomo, who pitched a pair of no-hitters and led a rush of Japanese players to the major leagues, is finished.

Nomo announced his retirement yesterday, agent Don Nomura said. Once known for a deceptive delivery and a devastating forkball, the 39-year-old Nomo was released by the Kansas City Royals in late April.

Nomo's 123 wins are the most in the majors by a Japanese pitcher. He was the 1995 NL Rookie of the Year with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is one of only four pitchers to throw no-hitters in the AL and NL.

"Hideo Nomo was a trailblazer," said Hall of Famer Tom Lasorda, who managed the Dodgers in 1995. "He represented himself and his country to the highest degree of class, dignity and character. I am so proud of all he did for Japanese players."

In 1996 with the Dodgers, Nomo pitched the first no-hitter in the history of Coors Field. He beat the Colorado Rockies at a time when pitchers routinely struggled at the mile-high ballpark.

Then in 2001, in his debut for the Boston Red Sox, he pitched the first no-hitter at Camden Yards and beat Baltimore, joining Cy Young, Jim Bunning and Nolan Ryan as the only pitchers to throw no-hitters in both leagues.

TWINS

LIRIANO SEEKS PROBE TO HIS STAY IN MINORS

After watching his client dominate Triple-A hitters for the past month, the agent for Minnesota pitcher Francisco Liriano wants to know why the Twins have not called him up to the big leagues.

Greg Genske has asked the players' union to investigate why Liriano remains in Rochester despite going 7-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his past nine starts.

"I think that Francisco is dominating down there," Genske said yesterday. "The club concedes that as well. We're a little frustrated he hasn't been called up."

The news was first reported by Foxsports.com.

Genske said the delay has had an adverse effect on Liriano's service time, which determines when he is eligible for arbitration. After three years in the big leagues, a player qualifies for arbitration. Liriano has two years and 45 days.

ELSEWHERE

Mets: New York right-hander Pedro Martinez got a cortisone shot yesterday to heal his strained groin and was forced to push back his next start by at least a couple of days. The 36-year-old Martinez will miss his scheduled start on Sunday against Cincinnati. He could start against Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Reds: Infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. went on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a strained hamstring, prompting Cincinnati to activate infielder Jolbert Cabrera off the disabled list.

Yankees: First baseman Richie Sexson and New York reached a deal yesterday, a week after Seattle cut the slumping slugger. A person familiar with the situation spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement had not been made.

TRADES

Diamondback-Padres: Arizona reacquired Tony Clark from San Diego yesterday, and he is expected to reprise his role as a pinch-hitter/platoon first baseman and as a clubhouse presence. In exchange, the D-Backs were expected to give San Diego a mid-level minor league player.

Phillies-Athletics: Philadelphia acquired right-hander Joe Blanton in a trade with Oakland for prospects Adrian Cardenas, Josh Outman and Matt Spencer. Blanton, 27, is 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA.