Billy Hamilton Injured After Spectacular Catch

May 1, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (right) talks with manager Bryan Price (left) after Hamilton was taken out of the game in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati- Reds center fielder and leadoff hitter Billy Hamilton made a spectacular catch to begin Thursday’s game against the Brewers, but hurt himself in the process of making it.

On the very first pitch of the game from Reds starter Homer Bailey, Carlos Gomez lined a shot to right-center field. Hamilton ran back toward the gap and made an outstanding diving catch that robbed Gomez of a triple at least.

After hitting the ground rather hard, Hamilton got up slowly. The Reds announced that Hamilton sprained the third and fourth knuckles on his left hand.

Although he finished the top of the inning, he was lifted for pinch-hitter Chris Heisey to open the bottom of the first inning.

“He dove for a ball and jammed his fingers, and unfortunately, it was the same hand he had jammed earlier in the year in New York” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “We’re optimistic it will only be a day or two. But again, you never know until you see him in a day or two. We won’t anticipate him playing Friday or at least starting in the outfield. But there are probably some things he can do to help us win a game.”

In 27 games, Hamilton is batting .245 with one home run, six RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 16 attempts.

Injuries have plagued the Reds this season, and they’ve already put 10 players on the disabled list. Earlier in the day, starting pitcher Tony Cingrani went on the DL with left shoulder tendinitis.