Detroit Tigers Victor Martinez Injured, Could Miss Season

Detroit Tigers star catcher/designated hitter Victor Martinez could miss the entire 2012 season after injuring his left knee during off-season conditioning.

The Tigers announced Tuesday that the 33-year-old Martinez tore his left ACL last week. An MRI on Monday revealed the injury. Martinez will be evaluated again next week, but the ball-club fully expects him to need surgery.

Detroit won the AL Central by 15 games last season and reached the AL Championship Series behind the arm of Justin Verlander and the bats of Miguel Cabrera and Martinez.

Martinez hit .330 with 103 RBIs in 2011, his first season with the Tigers. He signed a $50 million, four-year contract before last season.