Detroit Tigers DH Victor Martinez returns to DL with irregular heartbeat

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez was placed on the disabled list Sunday after experiencing his second heart issue of the season.

Martinez felt his heart racing in his final at-bat of Saturday's victory over the Chicago White Sox. He was hospitalized overnight in Chicago and his heartbeat was monitored.

The Tigers said he will travel by car to Detroit for further examination once he is released from the Chicago hospital.

"You don't mess around with the heart," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus told reporters prior to Sunday's game. "We're not talking about a sprained ankle or something minor like that. This is something you take very serious because it could be life-threatening. That's what we're going to do. I don't know what's going to happen going forward."

Martinez also had an incident in June when he was hospitalized after experiencing a rapid heartbeat, dizziness and cold sweats. The Tigers also placed him on the disabled list on that occasion as he spent multiple days in the hospital.

The 38-year-old Martinez is batting just .255 with 10 homers and 47 RBIs. He has previously stated that he will play in 2018, which is the final season of his contract.

Ausmus wants to take Martinez's playing career out of the immediate focus. He is thinking big picture.

"The first question that Vic should ask, not me but the doctors, is, 'Is this putting me at risk? Is there any really long-term risk?'" Ausmus stated about Martinez's future. "That would be the first question I would ask. Depending on the answer, you have to make a decision."

Detroit recalled outfielder JaCoby Jones from Triple-A Toledo to fill the roster spot.