Victor Martinez left out of the lineup Friday

by Nathan Burns | Fri, Apr 17th 2:58pm EDT

Even though the Tigers return home and the DH is back in play Victor was left out of Friday's lineup. Coach Brad Ausmus wants to avoid VMart batting from the left side stating, "He'll be back in there tomorrow, I just wanted to give him one more day off the left side (of the plate). The left side is the weaker side." Although the strength in the left knee from the left side is important, so is balance while batting on the right. Tweaking after a right-handed swing could cause more damage. (George Sipple, Detroit News)

---