Billy Hamilton Remains Out Of Lineup

Reds leadoff hitter and center fielder Billy Hamilton

Apr 2, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) dives and misses a ball during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

was given another day out of the lineup on Sunday because of a jammed left middle finger. The good news is the he won’t be out that much longer.

“It’s a lot better today,” Hamilton said. “The swelling has gone down.”

Chris Heisey led off and started in place of Hamilton for the series finale against the Mets, which the Reds won 2-1.

Hamilton was a pinch-runner when he was injured trying to steal second base on a headfirst slide during Friday’s 4-3 loss to the Mets. He was able to play defense in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game in where the Reds lost 6-3..

“I didn’t get a ball hit to me. But when I was catching and throwing, I could still feel it,” Hamilton said. “I was able to squeeze the glove, enough if I had to make a play.”

Hitting remains the huge issue for the 23 year old now as he looks to get his first hit in this young season.

“It bothers me more batting right-handed than it does left-handed,” Hamilton said. “If I had to bat yesterday, it would have been left-handed.”

Reds manager Bryan Price felt that it was possible for Hamilton to be back in the lineup on Monday afternoon, when the team opens a three-game series at St. Louis against the Cardinals.

“He’s had great improvement overnight,” Price said. “It’s a day-to-day thing. We have to be confident he’s comfortable swinging the bat and doing all of the things he needs to do.”