First baseman Sean Casey missed Tuesday night's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a bruised left foot, but could return to the lineup today.

        “If he's not playing (today), he'll definitely be in there by Thursday. This is a quick in-and-out thing,” Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek said.

        Casey, who was injured when Colorado's Shawn Chacon hit him with a pitch in the foot in Sunday's second inning, said he felt “super-sore” but was improving steadily.

        “I'm not walking normally yet,” Casey said. “I've got a big bruise on my arch. ... It's pretty much where I push off (while taking a swing).”

        But Casey felt upbeat, because he didn't suffer a fracture. He broke his right thumb in the final preseason game of 2000, an injury that initially appeared benign.

        Casey underwent X-rays Monday.

        “That was a huge relief,” he said. “So I don't mind taking a day or two to get (healthy). It's a lot better than going on the disabled list and being in a cast.”

Reds 7, Dodgers 6 Will Deion stay past kickoff? Will OF crunch prompt trade? Casey should return quickly Newcomer Clark already turning heads Boone drills outfielders on throws Reds box, runs

• Return to Reds front page...