Detroit Tigers Lose Martinez to Knee Injury

Yesterday the Tigers announced that they had signed pitchers Rick Porcello and Phil Coke to 1-year deals, avoiding arbitration. Today, it's some bad news as Tiger designated hitter Victor Martinez may be lost for the entire 2012 season due to a knee injury sustained during an off-season workout. The 33-year old Martinez is in the second year of a 4-year $50 million contract. Martinez hit .330 and drove in 103 runs batting behind Miguel Cabrera.
As many teams elected to pitch to Martinez after walking Cabrera, Victor's role in the batting order was huge.
An MRI exam was taken in Lakeland, Florida, and revealed an ACL tear which will most likely require season-ending surgery. Martinez is expected to get a second opinion from orthopedic specialist Dr. Richard Steadman next week, but barring a change in diagnosis, he will most likely undergo surgery which will sideline him for the season. It remains to be seen if the Tigers will go after a free agent to fill the role or if a trade deal might be made. Finding a player of V. Mart's caliber will not be an easy task.
The Tigers also avoided arbitration with pitcher Max Scherzer, outfielder Delmon Young and utility player Don Kelly today. All three are signed to contracts for 2012.