Marlins utility player Amezaga out 4-6 weeks with sprained knee

JUPITER, Fla. -- Florida Marlins utility player Alfredo Amezaga was diagnosed Wednesday with a sprained left knee that's expected to sideline him four to six weeks.

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez didn't rule out Amezaga returning before the season opener April 6, but baseball operations president Larry Beinfest wasn't optimistic.

"It's doubtful right now," Beinfest said. "He's very valuable to this team. It's tough."

The Marlins don't know how Amezaga sustained the injury. He complained of knee stiffness after playing nine innings Sunday for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Amezaga returned to South Florida, and the injury was diagnosed in Miami by Dr. Lee Kaplan. Amezaga will wear a protective cast for two weeks before resuming activity.

Amezaga, who signed a $1.3 million contract in January, is the team's most versatile player. He played 79 games in center field last year, 19 at shortstop, 15 at third base and 10 at second.

"I don't know if our team runs the same without him," right fielder Cody Ross said. "Obviously, we're going to have to pick it up. It's hard to replace him because he can come in and play any position. We're definitely going to miss him."

Amezaga tweaked his right knee when his cleat caught while batting in a scrimmage in late February, but that minor injury healed in time for him to join Mexico in the WBC. The Marlins don't think that is related to his latest injury.