No thumbs-up for Reds first baseman

The Associated Press

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sean Casey suffered a hairline fracture in his right thumb and will be out two to three weeks.

Casey took a ground ball off his thumb during the Reds' 8-3 exhibition loss to Baltimore in Chattanooga, Tenn., Saturday.

The injury was initially thought to be a bruise, but tests yesterday morning indicated a fracture.

The Reds called up infielder D.T. Cromer to take Casey's spot while he is on the 15-day disabled list.

It is the second time in three years that Casey has suffered a severe injury at the start of the season.

The Reds got him from Cleveland for pitcher Dave Burba on the eve of the season opener in 1998. On April 2 of that year, he was hit in the right eye by a thrown ball during infield practice, breaking the bones around the eye and costing him half the season.

This continues a streak of bad luck for Cincinnati teams in Tennessee this year. University of Cincinnati center Kenyon Martin broke his lower right leg in the Conference USA tournament in Memphis last month and the Bearcats lost their second-round NCAA tournament game in Nashville.