THE SIDELINES : Reds’ O’Neill Put on Disabled List

CINCINNATI — The slumping Reds, hit hard by injuries in recent weeks, announced today that they have placed right fielder Paul O’Neill on the 21-day disabled list because he fractured his left thumb.

The Reds said O’Neill, 26, who bats and throws left-handed, could be out six to eight weeks. He is leading the Reds in runs batted in with 62 this season, has 14 home runs and is batting .287.

O’Neill suffered the injury in a futile attempt to catch a Tim Raines line drive in the sixth inning of Thursday night’s 4-1 loss to the Expos in Montreal.

The Reds said O’Neill’s roster spot will be taken by Scotti Madison, 29, a catcher and outfielder who has played first base with the Reds’ Class AAA Nashville farm team this year.