Martinez still hoping for September return : Tigers catcher Victor Martinez is hoping to make his return sometime in September, reports the Detroit Free Press. Martinez, who underwent microfracture surgery, as well as repairs to both the medial and lateral meniscus in his left knee back in January, is no longer on crutches, according to the report. "Big hopes for the end of the year," Martinez said. "It's something to work for." (Updated 04/30/2012)
Injury Report
Knee - 60-day DL. Out until at least late August. Possibly out for season (Updated - 4/11/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Martinez has his sights set on returning sometime in September, although his return date should become a bit more clear as we head into the summer months. He is expected to have another MRI in July to see how is progressing, which should be a great indicator to see when or if he will be able to return. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his rehab over the next few months. In the meantime, continue to stash Martinez in long-term keeper formats. (Updated 04/30/2012).
If you've enjoyed Victor Martinez's .300-plus batting average and 20-plus homers at catcher over the years, your last chance to indulge may have already gone out the window. The 33-year-old, who was in line to become exclusively a DH in 2012, suffered a torn ACL during offseason conditioning in January and could potentially miss the entire season. The recovery could be especially difficult for a player who is already in the twilight of his career. Though Martinez hit a career-high .330 last year, his 12 homers were his fewest for a full season. Still, he finished as the No. 1 catcher in Head-to-Head leagues, and with no need for off days as a full-time DH, he was in line to get enough at-bats to perhaps finish there again, even with a possible downturn in numbers. Not anymore, though. Martinez is still worth drafting late in AL-only leagues just in case he makes a miraculous recovery, but more than likely, you won't have any use for him in Fantasy until 2013. And by then, he might not be eligible at catcher anymore. (Updated 1/17/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
