Detroit’s Victor Martinez needs knee surgery again

  • Associated Press
  • Thursday, February 5, 2015 9:03pm
  • SportsSports

DETROIT — When Victor Martinez hurt his left knee during offseason workouts three years ago, the Detroit Tigers responded by signing Prince Fielder.

Now, a huge free agent acquisition like that seems extremely unlikely — but the Tigers are hoping Martinez’s latest injury won’t be quite as serious.

“It’s not the same injury, but I’m still holding my breath,” manager Brad Ausmus said.

Martinez tore the medial meniscus in his left knee last week, and the team said he is scheduled for surgery Tuesday with Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Florida. The Tigers said an additional update will be provided then.

Detroit has not announced a timetable for Martinez’s return. The designated hitter, a five-time All-Star, missed the 2012 season after injuring the same knee.

Martinez hit .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2014, and the Tigers signed him to a $68 million, four-year contract. He figured to be a major part of Detroit’s drive to win a fifth consecutive AL Central title, but now the Tigers may face a difficult task if the 36-year-old misses significant time.

General manager Dave Dombrowski said the injury hasn’t altered Detroit’s approach to the offseason — not yet, at least.

“There are no changes in our plans at this time,” Dombrowski said in an e-mail. “We will evaluate that after his surgery.”

When Martinez was injured in 2012, the Tigers responded by signing Fielder to a $214 million, nine-year contract that Jan. 26. He was traded to Texas after two years with Detroit.

This time, Martinez’s injury occurred even later in the offseason, and there aren’t any major power-hitting options left on the free-agent market.

Martinez tore his anterior cruciate ligament before the 2012 season, and he also had surgery to repair the medial and lateral meniscus. Dr. Richard Steadman operated then.

Even if this injury turns out to be less severe, it’s still a jolt to a team whose spot atop the division is looking increasingly precarious. Max Scherzer, the 2013 AL Cy Young Award winner, left as a free agent to sign with Washington, and slugger Miguel Cabrera is coming off right ankle surgery.

Detroit made one big trade this offseason in an attempt to add more power, dealing right-hander Rick Porcello to Boston for Yoenis Cespedes. The Tigers also are hoping for another strong season from outfielder J.D. Martinez, who hit 23 homers in 123 games last year.

But it was the Cabrera-Victor Martinez combination that Detroit could count on for star-level production on a consistent basis, and with spring training only a couple weeks away, it’s not clear when either of them will be at full strength.

Ausmus said the DH spot isn’t the problem going forward. The Tigers can always move another solid hitter like Cespedes or J.D. Martinez to that spot, which would leave room for another outfielder in the starting lineup.

A lot will depend on Cabrera’s health. If he needs to be used as a DH or is out of the lineup entirely, Detroit would have to find someone to play first base, where Victor Martinez has filled in on occasion in the past.

Ausmus said catcher Alex Avila may spend some time at first this spring, and infielder Andrew Romine could also play there. Jordan Lennerton and Aaron Westlake — two non-roster invitees who have never played in the majors — are also potential options.

“From a first base perspective, we’re kind of in a little bit of a holding pattern,” Ausmus said.

So the Tigers will wait until Martinez has surgery, and until they learn more — probably in the next couple weeks — about Cabrera’s prognosis. Then they’ll have a better sense of their predicament.

“You try to make the best of it,” Ausmus said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.