Griffey breaks hand in accident

12/22/2006

CINCINNATI Ken Griffey Jr. broke his left hand in an accident at home, the latest in a series of injuries that have derailed the career of the All-Star outfielder.

Griffey s throwing hand will be in a hard cast for three weeks, then will be re-examined, Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said Friday.

Butcher said he could not say when or how the accident occurred because Griffey did not authorize any more details to be released.

General manager Wayne Krivsky wasn t sure whether Griffey will be ready for the start of spring training. The club will have a better idea when the hand is examined again in three weeks.

It s just too early to tell, Krivsky said.

The outfielder, who turned 37 on Nov. 21, has been severely limited by injuries since he joined his hometown team before the 2000 season. He missed nearly a month early last season because of inflammation behind his right knee, and sat out 22 of the last 24 games after dislocating a toe.

Overall, the 12-time All-Star hit .252 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs in 109 games, his fourth-highest total with the Reds. He is tied for 10th on the career home run list with 563 and has two years left on his contract.

Asked if Griffey s injury would affect his offseason roster moves, Krivsky said, It s not like we ve got a game tomorrow. We re worried about getting him healed and going from there.

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