It's no secret the Detroit Tigers could use Victor Martinez in both the starting lineup and the clubhouse.

Apparently, his return could take place sooner than expected.

Tigers owner Mike Ilitch

that the Tigers have received positive reports on Martinez's knee and suggested that Martinez might be able to return in August.

"When he comes back, that will help the leadership more," Ilitch told Drew Sharp of the Free Press. "He was really our leader (last year) and he’s starting to come around again.

"We’re getting our players back. We got a good report on (Martinez’s knee injury). He’s coming along a little faster. Instead of September, maybe we’ll have him in August. And then we’ll have a lineup that’ll be really good."

When Martinez originally suffered the injury to his left knee, it was believed that

. When Martinez had surgery on his ACL, doctors found that it wasn't as serious as it was originally believed to be, which gave the Tigers and their fans hope that

.

Martinez hit .330 with 12 home runs and 103 RBIs last season. If he returns this season, he would be the everyday designated hitter for the Tigers.

That role has been filled for the most part by Delmon Young, though Tigers manager Jim Leyland recently said

even after Andy Dirks returns from the disabled list.

-- Follow Chris Iott on Twitter for regular updates on the Tigers.