Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority after an injury at Comerica Park this summer.
The suit, filed by Mark Law on Gelof’s behalf, stems from a game on July 9, 2026 in Detroit. Gelof was hurt in the third inning while sliding to make a catch on a foul ball near the left field line.
According to the lawsuit, his “right knee violently struck an exposed, dangerous metal-fence on the side wall that protruded into or alongside the playing area,” after the catch. The impact allegedly tore his uniform and caused a “deep laceration beneath his right kneecap that narrowly missed the patellar tendon,” leading him to miss a month of games.
MLB statistics show Gelof did not return until Aug. 10.
The lawsuit also says the Tigers added protective padding over the area soon after the incident.
“The danger was not created by another baseball player's conduct. Rather, Plaintiff's injury was caused by a dangerous physical condition of the premises that Defendants created, maintained, failed to repair, or otherwise allowed to remain,” the lawsuit reads.
Attorney Jon Marko said, “This injury could have easily prevented through the most basic and inexpensive design. 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,”
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