Victor Martinez Expected at Full Strength for 2013 Opener
It looks like the Tigers can plan for certain on having its full-time designated hitter back for 2013. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, Victor Martinez‘s agent has publicly announced that his client will be 100 percent by the start of the season.
Oct 15, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) during the first inning of game six of the 2011 ALCS against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Martinez missed all of the 2012 season after tearing his ACL about a year ago, forcing the Tigers to give most of the DH at-bats to Delmon Young. Young, who managed just a .707 OPS in 2012, was not up to the task of replacing Martinez.
The 34-year-old is under contract for a combined $25 million over the next two seasons before hitting the free agent market, and the Tigers are hoping he can pick up right where he left off, providing their lineup with some extra damage behind superstars Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder.
A career .303/.370/.469 hitter, Martinez could be a big difference maker for a Tiger team that made it all the way to the World Series last season before getting swept by a red hot San Francisco team.
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