Athletics utility player Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings, and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority, seeking damages related to an injury he sustained at Comerica Park last summer. The incident occurred during a game on July 9, when Gelof collided with a metal fence while attempting a sliding catch in foul territory.

Gelof was hurt in the third inning of the game, which ended in a 4-1 victory for the Tigers. Covering left field, the 26-year-old player slid near the third-base side of the infield and struck his right knee against a sharp metal fence. The collision caused a deep laceration below his right kneecap, narrowly missing the tendon. Photographs from the game showed a tear in Gelof’s uniform pants at the point of impact. Following the injury, Gelof was sidelined for more than a month and did not return to play until August 10.

Gelof’s attorney, Jon Marko, argued that the injury was preventable and attributed it to inadequate stadium safety measures. He stated that the presence of exposed metal fencing in an area where players routinely slide and make challenging plays constituted a hazard. Marko noted that the stadium subsequently added padding to the fence, which he said could have prevented the injury if installed earlier. “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,” Marko said. “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.”

The Detroit Tigers issued a brief response, acknowledging they were aware of the lawsuit but declined further comment due to ongoing litigation.

During the 2026 season, Gelof posted a .256 batting average with 22 home runs and 55 RBIs—both personal bests—in 111 games. He split his time between infield and outfield positions as part of his fourth major league season. The Athletics finished the year with a 64-98 record, ranking ahead of only the Los Angeles Angels and Colorado Rockies in the major leagues.