As Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek went through the list of injured Reds and gave an update on each, he had the sinking feeling he was missing someone. “Kearns,” he remembered.

        It seems the Reds' injury jinx has extended to the minor leagues. Austin Kearns, the top draft pick in 1998, has a sore right thumb, which has been bothering him for a couple weeks at Double-A Chattanooga.

        Kearns will come to Cincinnati Monday to be examined by Kremchek.

        He might have to wait in line.

        “I've never had a team with so many injuries. High school, college or pro,” said Kremchek, who has been a team doctor for 10 years.

        Of the 13 position players on the projected Opening Day roster, seven were healthy for Saturday night's game. Two pitchers — Scott Williamson and Seth Etherton — have been lost for the season. Another, Pete Harnisch, is on the disabled list.

        Kremchek's report:

        • Ken Griffey Jr. (torn hamstring): “I keep saying this, but he's improving. When does he break through and come back? That's all up to him. ... Two weeks, 10 days, 16 days — those are all reasonable.”

        • Harnisch (elbow tendinitis): “He's feeling great. He'll throw again (today), and we'll make a decision.”

        The only concern: “He let one go (Friday) and felt a little twinge but no other pain to the inside of his elbow.”

        • Barry Larkin (pulled groin muscle): “Monday, he'll start running and doing some things in the field. He's not eligible to come off the disabled list until June 1. He'll be ready by then or a couple days later.”

        • Pokey Reese (bruised thumb): “It was an errant call that the screw (from an earlier surgery) was bothering him. He has a bruised digital nerve. We're trying to pad it when he hits. He's available.”

        • Dmitri Young (hyperextended knee): “He played (Friday) and felt OK. We did an MRI as a precaution. It showed no damage. We fitted him with a brace. He's available.”

        • Donnie Sadler (sore knee): “(Friday) he felt a catch on the outside of his knee. We gave him an MRI. It was normal. He's available.”

        • Aaron Boone (hand surgery): “Aaron's doing great. We'll let him throw and hit next week. He'll be ready (Wednesday) when he's eligible to come off the DL, or a little later.”

Reds 7, Cardinals 2 DAUGHERTY: Reds fans are watching 2003 now Is it Reese's time at shortstop? Reds' injury bug hits minors Definition of desperate? LaRue batting second Reds box, runs

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