Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez facing trip to disabled list

Detroit Tigers designated hitter is likely headed to the disabled list and could be out until July after re-aggravating a left knee injury, according to Catherine Slonksnis of Bless You Boys.

Martinez has hit just .216/.308/.270 with a home run in 34 games this season. He has a wRC+ of 51. Those numbers are a far cry from his career numbers of .305/.371/.471 with a wRC+ of 124.

The 36-year-old has been through two surgeries in three years on his left knee, one in 2012 and another prior to spring training this season. The surgery in 2012 cost him the entire season.

As Martinez has exclusively been a designated hitter this season, his spot in the Tigers' lineup could be taken by any of several hitters. Yoenis Cespedes and J.D. Martinez, both regular starters in Detroit's outfield have been moved to the DH spot when Martinez was given days off earlier this season, however they do not seem likely longer-term solutions.

Martinez' absence will almost certainly mean more playing time for veteran Rajai Davis, either as a DH himself or moving into an outfield spot when Cespedes of Martinez is in the DH role. Davis, now 34 years old, leads the Tigers with nine stolen bases despite having just 92 plate appearances and 18 starts this season.

Other players in line for an increase in playing time include switch-hitting utility man Andrew Romine. Romine has been used primarily as a bench bat for Detroit this season, but is 9-for-26 in limited playing time. He hit .227/.279/.275 with a dozen steals in 2014, his only other season with Detroit.

Infielder Hernan Perez could also see some more at bats in Martinez's absence. The 24-year-old is just 2-for-23 in 2015, and has hit .177/.200/.198 in 102 major league plate appearances over the course of four seasons.