Sean Casey's right ear still shows the effects of Saturday's beaning. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Sean Casey was out of the lineup again Wednesday night and was not very optimistic about returning for today's game.

        “I feel better than (Tuesday),” he said. “But when I try to run, I get a piercing pain in my head. Not even run — if I jog or even walk fast.”

        Casey was hit in the head by a pitch from Philadelphia's Robert Person on Saturday. He has been cleared to play by an ear, nose and throat specialist. The pain he feels is considered normal.

        “They told me I suffered a significant head trauma,” Casey said.

        But Casey won't be able to play until the pain subsides.

        “It's the kind of pain that almost drops me to my knees,” he said.

        The trauma has been more than just physical.

        “Baseball's been the last thing on my mind the last couple of days,” he said. “I've had some morbid thoughts about dying and things. This isn't just about dealing with baseball. This is more a life situation.”

        Casey was knocked out by the pitch.

        “That's never happened before,” he said. “That was the hardest I've been hit.”

        Casey will see the specialist, Dr. Robert Smyth, again at 8a.m. today.

        “It's getting better,” Casey said. “Hopefully, it will keep getting better.”

        Casey did hit in the cage Wednesday.

        His unavailability is the reason Austin Kearns was called up from Double-A Chattanooga.

        Kearns will play left field, and Adam Dunn will play first base until Casey returns. With Kearns up, the urgency of Casey returning isn't as great.

Astros 7, Reds 2 SULLIVAN: Opportunity knocks for Kearns Austin Kearns photo gallery Casey still not close to return Reds Notebook: Rijo wants to start Berkman strikes again Reds box, runs Harnisch faces surgery again Baseball attendance down 3.5 percent Bonds hits 8th HR in loss Mariners go 10-0 on road trip Rangers 4, Angels 1

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