Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with left knee inflammation.
Martinez's latest DL stint comes after he began experiencing knee soreness last week. He had just one at-bat in Detroit's series at St. Louis over the weekend and returned to the lineup on Monday, only to bat 0-for-4.
The 36-year-old underwent surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee during the offseason, but returned in time for Opening Day. It was the second time in Martinez's career that he needed surgery on that knee. He missed the entire 2012 season with a torn ligament.
In 34 games this season, Martinez is batting just .216 with a .308 on-base percentage and one home run. This is the first season of a four-year, $68 million contract he signed in November.
The Tigers recalled outfielder Tyler Collins from Triple-A Toledo to take Martinez's place on the active roster. Collins made his major league debut in 2014 and was batting .248 in 32 games for Toledo.
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