Zack Gelof sues Tigers over Comerica Park injury

Zack Gelof has sued the Detroit Tigers and two stadium-related entities, alleging that an exposed metal fence at Comerica Park caused a right-knee injury that kept him out of the Athletics’ lineup for about a month. The lawsuit, filed September 28 in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeks unspecified damages; the allegations have not been tested in court. The complaint names the Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority, which owns Comerica Park. Gelof alleges he was hurt July 9 while playing left field against Detroit. In the third inning, he says, he slid to catch a foul ball and struck his right knee against an exposed fence beside the playing area. The lawsuit alleges the collision tore Gelof’s uniform and caused a deep cut below his kneecap that narrowly missed the patellar tendon. It argues that the fence lacked adequate padding and that the defendants failed to make the area safe. Gelof returned to play on August 10, according to reports on the filing. Gelof’s attorney says padding was installed in the area after the injury.