Amezaga hurts left knee in Classic
Switch-hitter returning to Florida, will undergo exam Tuesday
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
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The Marlins received some discouraging news on that front Monday. Utility man Alfredo Amezaga, playing for Mexico, experienced stiffness in his left knee after Sunday night's game against Australia.
Amezaga is leaving the Classic and returning to South Florida, where he will be evaluated by the Marlins' physicians on Tuesday. No further details on what happened were immediately available.
Mexico lost, 17-7, to Australia in Mexico City on Sunday night. Batting in the leadoff spot, Amezaga was 2-for-5 with a home run in the loss.
"Of course we have concern, but we'll wait," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It didn't sound like it was real bad, but he hadn't seen the doctor yet. We'll wait and see before we start panicking or anything.
"We'll see what the doctor says. Maybe it's nothing. I'm hoping it's nothing -- a little stiffness. He needs a couple of days rest, and he will be ready to go."
Before the Classic, Amezaga tweaked his right knee when his cleat caught during an at-bat in a scrimmage. He was cleared to represent his country, where he aggravated his other knee.
A veteran who can play infield and outfield, Amezaga is arguably the Marlins' best defensive player. He has played seven different positions since joining the team in 2006.
A switch-hitter, Amezaga's natural position is middle infield, but he has seen extensive work in center field. He can also play third base.
Last year, Amezaga appeared in 125 games, and he batted .264 with 13 doubles, five triples, three homers and 32 RBIs. He scored 41 runs.
If Amezaga is out for an extended period of time, it would likely mean more opportunities in camp for Robert Andino and Emilio Bonifacio.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
