Reds Josh Hamilton to See Specialist in New York

Reds rookie outfielder Josh Hamilton will visit a medical specialist in New York after sustaining a wrist injury of undetermined seriousness while swinging a bat in the on-deck circle during the third inning of Saturday's 5-4 victory over the Diamondbacks at All-American Ballpark in Cincinnati.

Hamilton came out of the game immediately and was replaced in center field by third base starter Ryan Freel. Edwin Encarnacion came off the bench to replace Freel at third.

Initial team reports indicated Hamilton had sustained a sprain and would have his arm put in a cast, but it appeared more likely that his wrist would merely be immobilized with a splint as a precaution. Clearly the team was not going to take any chances with Hamilton, but the injury likely is not severe given the circumstances.

Knowledgeable observers generally familiar with Hamilton's type of injury foresee him returning to action shortly after the All-Star break without visiting the disabled list, but conflicting reports could not be confirmed.