Victor Martinez Injury: Possible DH Replacements for Detroit Tigers

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The Detroit Tigers have already been dealt a big blow to their 2012 World Series hopes with the news that Victor Martinez has torn his ACL.

Mike Dodd of USA Today reports that Martinez will likely miss the whole season.

Martinez was not only one of the team's best players, but also one of the best hitters in the American League. Replacing Martinez in the middle of the Tigers lineup will not be an easy feat but the team has some options.

It is possible that the Tigers will look to the free-agent market for a potential DH replacement, but they could also try to look within their minor league system for an internal option.

Carlos Pena

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Carlos Pena signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs in 2011 and he may be open for another one-year contract this season.

Pena is a power hitter who can help replace some of the production lost from Martinez's injury.

Last season Pena hit 28 home runs and drove in 80. On the downside, Pena does not hit for average and strikes out a lot.

However, Pena would be one of the best DHs the Tigers could bring in.

Johnny Damon

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There are likely not to many seasons left in Johnny Damon's career and he could find himself limited to one-year deals at this point in his career.

Damon has already played with the Detroit Tigers and had success with the team.

Damon still has the potential to have a 20/20 season while hitting for a decent average. He can also serve as a backup outfielder for the Tigers next season.

Andy Dirks

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Andy Dirks may have had a chance at a starting spot in the Detroit Tigers outfield this spring, but now he could find himself starting for the team at a different position.

Now, the Tigers could potentially use Dirks as their DH.

Dirks has shown the ability to hit for some power at the major league level. In the minors, Dirks was a career .292 hitter.

Hideki Matsui

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Hideki Matsui had a bit of a down year last season, but that does not mean he doesn't still have some gas left in the tank.

He is a DH that also has the ability to play in the outfield.

Matsui likely is not good for 100-RBI seasons like seasons past, but he will be a fairly consistent force at DH in the Tigers lineup.

Carlos Lee

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According to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, there are a number of teams that have an interest in trading for Carlos Lee.

The Astros undoubtedly would not mind getting a large part of Lee's $18.5 million salary off their books.

Lee will be a member of the 2013 free-agent class so he is a good one-year option for Detroit.

He might be one of the best possible options to try to replace Victor Martinez's offensive production. Lee has 25 home run potential and a run producer.