Oakland Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings, and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority, alleging negligence led to a knee injury sustained last summer at Comerica Park.
Gelof was injured on July 9 during a game when he slid to make a catch in foul territory and collided with a metal fence. The incident left him with a deep cut below his right kneecap and caused him to miss significant playing time. He did not return to the field until August 10.
Gelof's attorney, Jon Marko, stated that the injury could have been prevented with basic safety measures, such as padding on the fence. Marko argued that the sharp metal fencing in an area where players are expected to slide and make plays presented a clear hazard.
"All they had to do was put cheap padding up like they did after Zack was injured and this entire incident could have been avoided," Marko said. "My son’s little league diamond is safer."
In his fourth season, Gelof, 26, posted career highs in his abbreviated season, hitting .256 with 22 home runs and 55 RBIs in 111 games. The Athletics finished the season with a 64-98 record.
The Detroit Tigers acknowledged the lawsuit, stating, "We are aware of the lawsuit and do not comment on pending litigation."