Tigers star Martinez tears ACL, season in doubt

DETROIT - Tigers star Victor Martinez has injured his left knee and is likely to miss most of the 2012 season.

The Tigers said Tuesday that Martinez tore his left ACL last week during offseason conditioning. An MRI exam Monday in Lakeland, Fla., revealed the injury.

The team said the slugging designated hitter and catcher will be re-examined next week and surgery is expected.

Martinez hit .330 with 103 RBIs last season in helping Detroit win the AL Central.

CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler notes that his injury could spur the Tigers to sign one of the remaining DH types on the market. Quite a few remain available, including ex-Tigers Carlos Pena and Johnny Damon, as well as Hideki Matsui.