Tigers DH Victor Martinez out 4-6 weeks after knee surgery

The switch-hitter is expected to resume full activity in four to six weeks after surgery on his left knee.

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez is expected to be out for the next four to six weeks to recover from surgery on his left knee, the team announced on Tuesday.

The team revealed on Thursday that the 36-year-old had injured his left knee during off-season workouts. After an MRI found that he had sustained a torn medial meniscus, he was scheduled for surgery with Dr. James Andrews to remove some of the meniscus.

The team said on Tuesday that the operation was completed successfully and that Martinez would begin rehabilitation immediately. The Tigers expect him to return to full activity in four to six weeks.

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"Vic was in great shape prior to the surgery. That should really bode well for his rehab," said Kevin Rand, Detroit's head trainer.

Martinez has dealt with knee injuries before, tearing his ACL in Jan. 2012 and missing the entire following season.

Martinez, originally from Venezuela, hit .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs in 151 games last year. He recorded a .409 on-base percentage and a .565 slugging percentage on his way to a second Silver Slugger award and a fifth All-Star selection.

He finished second to Mike Trout in AL MVP voting.

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A switch-hitter, Martinez helped the Tigers to their fourth-straight AL Central title. In November, he and the club signed a four-year, $68 million deal.

Detroit will open the 2015 season on April 6 against the Minnesota Twins.

- Christopher Woody