The Detroit Tigers got some very bad news Tuesday as it was announced that designated hitter Victor Martinez suffered a torn ACL in his left knee likely ending his 2012 season.

Martinez, who played a vital role in the Tigers’ success in 2011 apparently suffered the injury during his offseason training regiment. An MRI at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Florida revealed the torn ACL.

According to Chris Iott of Mlive.com, Martinez is scheduled to have his knee reevaluated next week however surgery looks to be on the horizon to repair the damaged ACL.

This obviously leaves a big hole in the batting order for the Tigers heading into Spring Training and the 2012 season.

Tigers team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski conducted a conference call Tuesday afternoon stating that he’s received “numerous phone calls from agents” and that the team has no plans to move Miguel Cabrera to third base.

Dombrowski also mentioned that it’s possible Martinez returns later on in the year but the team “wouldn’t count on it”.

Stay tuned for more news on this as it becomes available.

Ref: Mlive.com, Twitter, Zimbio (image)