Detroit Tigers rumors: Victor Martinez may be shut down to All-Star break

The Detroit Tigers currently sit four games ahead of the Kansas City Royals in the American League Central division and appear poised for yet another postseason run, especially if Justin Verlander is able to turn his season around.

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One player who has already turned his season around is first baseman/designated hitter Victor Martinez, who after a dreadful 2013 campaign, has put up MVP-like numbers for the Tigers through the first half of the year. Unfortunately though Victor Martinez has been dealing with a rash of injuries during the past few weeks, forcing the former catcher to take multiple days off for rest.

Knowing they’ll need Martinez healthy for a late season push, the Tigers are said to be taking a day-to-day approach with the talented hitter but are considering shutting him down until after the All-Star break in hopes of getting him healthy.

Of course, the All-Star break is only a few weeks away so Victor Martinez wouldn’t miss a ton of time, thankfully, though you never want to be without a slugger for any longer than needed. However, the last thing the Detroit Tigers want to do is push Martinez too far and not allow his injuries to heal (or possibly grow worse) so it’s understandable why the Tigers would take the dent in their lineup.

Currently, Martinez is dealing with both a back and side injury, both of which weren’t helped after he was drilled by a pitch on Friday night.

For now the Tigers will evaluate Victor Martinez daily to determine his health.