Tigers’ Victor Martinez will miss the entire next season due to a knee injury – MLB News
Last season, Detroit Tigers looked on top of their game to win the American League Central. With Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez in their batting line-up, the Tigers were one of the strongest teams in the AL. General Manager Dave Dombrowski was looking to achieve similar results in the 2012 season as well.
However, the Tigers announced on Tuesday that Victor Martinez, who performs the Designated Hitter duties, will be missing the entire next season as he tore the ACL in his left knee in a training session. Martinez hurt his knee early last August and he has not returned to Major League Baseball since then.
Martinez looked in commanding form in 2011 season as he helped the Tigers reach the American League Championships. Batting with a healthy .330 average with 103 RBI’s and 12 home-runs, he delivered the goods whenever his side was in a difficult spot. Martinez was also one of the most expensive players in the Tigers’ side with a US $50 million four year contract.
“We do have flexibility with positions that players play with us. We could maneuver from within. However, we’re open-minded to different alternatives to hitters who are available by free agency and trades. I’ve received numerous phone calls from agents in the last hour (since the news got out), looking to place their players,” said Dombrowski in an interview.
He further added that, “You have a guy like (Ryan) Raburn, who can play numerous positions. He can slide to the outfield, and you can use one of your outfielders as the DH. You’ve got (Ramon) Santiago, who can play second and short."
Batting at Number 5 in the Tigers’ line-up, he produced match winning performances last season. His absence this season will mean the Tigers will have to add another batter through free agency or trade. Tigers’ manager, Dombrowski has already taken huge steps to eliminate this problem.
Martinez, on the other hand, is very disappointed with the incident. He will be looking to train hard while he is off the field and comeback stronger in 2013.
Tags: