Tigers' Martinez likely won't return until after All-Star break
Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus indicated Wednesday that designated hitter Victor Martinez likely won't return to the lineup until after next week's All-Star break, reports Lynn Henning of the Detroit News.
Ausmus confirmed Victor Martinez likely to sit out 4 games at K.C., which coupled with All-Star break, gives him 8 more days to heal (back).
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) July 9, 2014
The 35-year-old hasn't played since July 4 due to persistent discomfort in his back, an ailment that has reportedly bothered him since late June. Ausmus has used both Torii Hunter and J.D. Martinez at designated hitter over the last three games.
Despite the injury, Martinez was positively spectacular throughout the first half of the season, hitting .328/.391/.599 with 21 home runs through 80 games, posting a career-best .272 isolated power while striking out in just 6.8 percent of his plate appearances.