Tigers DH Martinez leaning toward retirement after season

The loss dropped the Tigers to 50-71 on the season, though Martinez has maintained a positive outlook on what could be the end of his 16-year career.

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez said Wednesday that this season will likely be his last.

"I'm pretty sure this is going to be it," Martinez told reporters after a 6-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox. "This is going to be it. I'm just enjoying these last six weeks and I'll finally go home."

Martinez, who turns 40 in December, is in the final season of a four-year, $68 million contract. He is hitting .244 with six home runs and 39 RBIs in 106 games after a pinch-hit single in Wednesday's contest.

The loss dropped the Tigers to 50-71 on the season, though Martinez has maintained a positive outlook on what could be the end of his 16-year career.

"I've been enjoying the whole year," Martinez said. "I told the guys: We have to enjoy it. We're lucky just to be here in this room. We just have to enjoy it, because you never know where you're going to be tomorrow."

Getting his start as a catcher with the Indians in 2002, Martinez spent 7 1/2 seasons in Cleveland before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2009. He joined the Tigers as a free agent in 2011, finishing second in the American League MVP vote in 2014 while with Detroit.

Martinez, a five-time All-Star, has hit .295 with 243 home runs and 1,163 RBIs for his career. He made the decision to return this season after undergoing a procedure last year to correct his heartbeat.

"I'm just really thankful God put me in this position, 39 and I'm still trying to play," Martinez said. "I've been going out there and battling with these young guys that throw 100 (mph). I'm just happy that I've been healthy, just trying to do something here that helps the team."

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)