Published: 37 minutes ago
Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE
Mat Gamel exited last night’s game between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Chargers after banging his knee into a wall. Gamel remained in the game initially but eventually went into the clubhouse after taking a bad swing in the on-deck circle.
Gamel and Rickie Weeks chased a popup towards the seats along the first-base side. Gamel looked to have a decent chance at making the out until his knee gave away right before he plunged into the wall that separates the field from the fans. Gamel fell to the ground and winced in pain. Weeks tried to help him up but it was clearly Gamel was in no position to move. Weeks and right fielder Corey Hart motioned for the Brewers training staff while manager Ron Roenicke bolted out of the dugout and ran over to them with a look of concern on his face.
With his leg immobilized, Gamel moved around the clubhouse on crutches. He was telling his teammates he would need surgery but when questioned by the media he denied comment.
“It sucks for (Gamel),†said Hart, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We all kind of figured he was going on the DL. He finally had a chance to play. He’s a tough kid. If it wasn’t bad, he wouldn’t be in that (immobilizer).â€
Gamel went back to Milwaukee to get looked at by team doctors. General manager Doug Melvin announced Wednesday afternoon that Gamel has a torn ACL, which is usually followed up by season-ending surgery. This is terrible news for the Brewers as Gamel has been one of the more consistent hitters on the team. He has also played outstanding defense at first base.
It is unfortunate to see and must be very frustrating for him. Gamel has worked so hard and waited so long to finally get his chance to be the every-day guy at first base in the major leagues. He was off to a better start than any of us could have imagined and was clearly going to make a difference on the ball club.
This is the second time Gamel has been injured this season, with the first coming last week after he had an intense collision with Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro.
In 69 plate appearances this season, Gamel is batting .246 with 10 runs, six RBI, one home run, three stolen bases and four walks.
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