Athletics Player Sues Detroit Tigers After Injuring Knee At Comerica Park

DETROIT — An MLB player is suing the Detroit Tigers after he said he was injured in a game at Comerica Park in July.

Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof claims he was injured while trying to catch a fly ball in left field in the third inning.

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Gelof slammed into fencing along the third base line while trying to make the catch.

He was removed from the game shortly later and went on to miss 30 days of play, according to the lawsuit.

The 26-year-old claims the collision tore his uniform and caused a deep laceration beneath his right kneecap that missed his patellar tendon.

"After making the catch" Gelof's "right knee violently struck an exposed dangerous metal fence on the side wall that protruded into or alongside the playing area," the lawsuit claims.

The complaint added that the fence was "rigid, sharp, inadequately protected" and placed in an area where players would need to run and slide to catch such foul balls.

The suit seeks compensation for pain and suffering, economic loss, lost wages, emotional and mental distress, medical bills, attorney fees and other damages. It does not specify an exact amount.

Attorney Jon Marko said the injury was easily preventable.

"It doesn't take a stadium design expert to realize that sharp metal fencing in an area where players are required to slide and play around is a recipe for disaster like the one that occurred here," Marko said in a statement. "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. My son's little league diamond is safer."

The Detroit Tigers have not commented on the lawsuit.