Zack Gelof sues Detroit Tigers after ‘sharp metal’ fence causes gruesome knee injury at Comerica Park

Oakland Athletics infielder Zack Gelof has sued the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority after suffering a cut to his knee at Comerica Park. Gelof was injured on July 9 while making a sliding catch in foul territory during a 4-1 loss to Detroit. His lawsuit says his knee hit exposed metal fencing, leaving a severe laceration beneath the kneecap that narrowly missed the tendon. The 26-year-old missed 30 games and did not return until August 10. He is seeking damages, with the lawsuit saying the injury could affect his earnings.Zack Gelof’s knee injury at Comerica Park led to lawsuitGelof was playing in the third inning when he chased a fly ball into foul territory and slid to make the catch. His knee struck a metal fence beside the playing area. The impact tore his uniform and caused a deep cut under the kneecap.Gelof immediately grabbed his knee and could not continue. He was placed on the injured list and later returned on August 10, meaning he missed about 30 games. The lawsuit says the injury brought medical costs, lost wages and other professional and economic losses.The case was filed on September 28 in Wayne County Circuit Court. Gelof is seeking damages from the Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority.Reuters reported that the complaint argues the fence was not properly protected and created a risk in an area where players were expected to run and slide. The lawsuit also says padding was added to the area after Gelof was hurt. It alleges the defendants knew players would run and slide there but did not provide enough protection around the fence.His attorney, Jon Marko, said the injury could have been avoided with a basic safety change.“This injury could have been easily prevented through the most basic and inexpensive design,” said Gelof’s attorney, Jon Marko.“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.“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.”Detroit Tigers respond as Zack Gelof seeks damagesThe Tigers have not accepted the claims made in the lawsuit. The team gave a brief response after the case became public.“We are aware of the lawsuit and do not comment on pending litigation,” the Tigers said in a statement on Tuesday.AP reported that Gelof finished the 2026 season with a .256 batting average, 22 home runs and 55 RBIs in 111 games. He completed the season after returning from the injury.The complaint argues that missing games could affect Gelof’s future earnings because his playing time and performance are tied to his career and salary opportunities, according to the lawsuit. It also seeks compensation for the physical injury and its wider impact.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.