Martínez began his career with Ciudad la Habana in his native Cuba, before defecting to the United States during the 2002 Gold Cup along with his national teammate Alberto Delgado. Martínez joined the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer on June 11, 2004, and finished his first year with the Rapids with one assist in seven appearances (three starts), but struggled with injuries for much of the season. He was released by the Rapids before the 2005 season and signed with Rochester Rhinos of the USL First Division.