Brewers' Mat Gamel out for season with knee injury

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Mat Gamel will miss the entire 2013 season after an MRI revealed a significant right knee injury, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

It was reported over the weekend that Gamel had aggravated his right knee, which caused him to miss the final five months of last season. However, the team said it was believed to be a minor setback and that the first baseman would be able to resume activities this week.

However, it's far from a minor setback as it will cost the injury-plagued Gamel another season and opportunity. He was projected as the Brewers' Opening Day starter at first base due to Corey Hart's injury, which will cause him to miss the beginning of the season.

At this point the Brewers are hoping to cover for the injuries of Gamel and Hart using in-house options, according to McCalvy. However, general manager Doug Melvin will also look outside the organization for alternatives.

If the Brewers elect to hand over first base duties to someone already on their roster, Taylor Green figures to get a look. He started 18 games for Milwaukee at first last season.

At this point in the offseason, the free agent options left to be had are slim, as veterans Aubrey Huff and Carlos Lee are the only first basemen remaining on the market.