MINNEAPOLIS -- Though the numbers might not reflect it, Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez seems to be closer to recapturing the form that made him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the Major Leagues last year.
The 36-year-old switch-hitter had surgery in early February to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. That slowed the momentum he hoped to carry over from a season in which he posted career bests with 32 home runs, a .335 batting average and a .974 OPS and finished second in voting for the American League MVP.
The effects of the surgery are most noticeable from the left side of the plate.