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The Detroit Tigers activated Victor Martinez from the DL on Friday and will be the DH during Friday’s matchup against the New York Yankees, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The veteran slugger has been out of action for a month with an inflammation in his surgically-repaired left knee. After a solid rehab assignment, Martinez will rejoin the Tigers on Friday.
Prior to tomorrow's game, the #Tigers will activate DH Victor Martinez from the 15-day disabled list.
— #VoteTigers (@tigers) June 19, 2015
The 36-year-old went 5-for-17 with Toledo. According to the report, the Tigers received good news on all aspects of the game that involve the use of his knee. Swinging from the left side of the plate was one action that was hurting his knee. The report is that he felt no pain and is ready to go.
Last season, Martinez was the runner-up in AL MVP with a .335 BA, 32 HR, 103 RBI and .974 OPS. This season hasn’t been quite the same story. His hitting line is a meager .216/.308/.270 with one homer and 15 RBI in 34 games before the injury.
His return will bring a presence to the Detroit lineup that could use it. The Tigers are 34-32 and in the midst of a tight race for the AL Central crown. Terry Francona manages the division-rival, Cleveland Indians. He told the Detroit Free Press on how important Martinez’s bat is for the Tigers.
"But when you have Victor healthy," he told the Press. "It adds a dimension that scares other managers."
