By REED NELSON
FOXSportsDetroit.com
Injured Detroit Tigers catcher/designated hitter Victor Martinez underwent preliminary knee surgery Friday to lay the groundwork for his scheduled ACL repair, according to a press release from the team.
Martinez, who was one of the Tigers' top offensive producers last season, tore his left anterior cruciate ligament while participating in an offseason workout program. He reportedly slipped during a lateral movement drill.
The microfracture surgery, performed in Colorado, repaired both his medial and lateral meniscus in his left knee, which, according to the release, were injured in the same incident that claimed his ACL.
The team says Martinez should be ready for his ACL surgery in six to eight weeks — late March or early April. He's expected him to miss the entire 2012 season.
The Tigers, who report to spring training Feb. 23, provided themselves with some insurance by signing slugger Prince Fielder last week.
