Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Martini underwent thumb surgery on Tuesday but could return before the end of the season.
Reds manager David Bell told reporters Wednesday that surgery was necessary to repair ligament damage. Bell added that Martini has a “legitimate chance to be back this season.”
The Reds placed Martini on the IL Sunday. He jammed his thumb during a head-first slide while trying to steal second base in the second inning of the 5-3 home loss to the Detroit Tigers the day before.
Martini, 34, is batting .212 this season with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 52 games.
In parts of five seasons with the Oakland Athletics (2018-19), San Diego Padres (2019), Chicago Cubs (2021) and Reds, Martini is batting .252 with seven homers and 70 RBIs in 193 games.