Today, the Detroit Tigers were dealt the biggest blow of the offseason when they learned that their star designated hitter, Victor Martinez, tore his medial meniscus while training in preparation for the upcoming season.
Martinez just signed a four year extension with the Tigers that will take him to possibly the end of his career in MLB. This is Martinez’s second devastating knee injury in four years. Three years ago, Martinez tore his ACL while training in the offseason which caused him to miss the entire 2012 campaign. While it is unknown how much time Martinez will miss due to his injury this time, there is some speculation floating around the baseball world as to how much time he will miss.
Obviously overall health and age affect how much time a player will miss. This is the same knee that Martinez injured in 2012, so that could affect his recovery and rehab time. To put into perspective how long Martinez could be out, Anthony Fenech compares Jay Bruce’s and Ryan Howard’s similar injury.
Similar injuries: Jay Bruce missed about three weeks last year. Ryan Howard missed the rest of the season after surgery in early July 2013.
— Anthony Fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 5, 2015
Others have returned from a meniscus tear in 4-6 weeks. So V-Mart misses significant chunk of action in lovely Polk County, Fla.
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) February 5, 2015
The Tigers were offered news that is as about as good as it can get pre-surgery for Martinez. Many doctors were not disturbed with the MRI results, which means that the time table for healing would be weeks instead of months.
Tigers say there was NO sign of damage to Martinez beyond meniscus. No complications from 2012. Prognosis, for now, is weeks, not months.
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) February 5, 2015
Dombrowski said Martinez had a MRI yesterday morning and the doctors that read the results don’t seem overly concerned with the injury.
— Anthony Fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 5, 2015
Many analysts have had orthopedic surgeons chime in on the issue, in hopes of getting a better understanding of the extent of possible time missed:
Orthopedic surgeon says if cartilage can be trimmed, 4-6 weeks is rehab time. If cartilage has to be repaired, 12-16 weeks rehab time.
— Anthony Fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 5, 2015
Another surgeon says if #Tigers VMart just needs just a scope, it's a couple weeks out. Worst-case scenario, "few months," not including PT.
— Tony Paul (@TonyPaul1984) February 5, 2015
Best case scenario: #Tigers DH Victor Martinez is ready by opening day. Worst case: He is out until late June/July.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 5, 2015
One thing for certain is that Martinez will not be participating in Spring Training. The Tigers will not know the exact time frame that he will be out until the surgery is complete next Tuesday. As more details become available, we will keep you updated on this big blow for the Tigers.
-Brett D’Angelo
