BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Reds’ Morris Sidelined for 4-6 Weeks

Hal Morris’ right hand was broken when he was hit by a pitch from Atlanta’s Charlie Leibrandt during Cincinnati’s 3-1 victory over the Braves Wednesday. The Reds’ first baseman, who stayed in the game, will be sidelined for four to six weeks. “It didn’t start bothering him until a swing later in the game,” General Manager Bob Quinn said of Morris.

Also injured was Cincinnati shortstop Barry Larkin, who twisted his right knee and bruised his left arm in a collision with outfielder Glenn Braggs. It is uncertain if Larkin will miss any games.

George Steinbrenner, New York Yankee owner, has reportedly settled a dispute with a former team executive that could clear the way for Steinbrenner to resume running the club.

The Yankees fired Leonard Kleinman as chief operating officer on Feb. 21 because he refused to withdraw a lawsuit against Commissioner Fay Vincent. Kleinman claimed Vincent unfairly prevented him from succeeding Steinbrenner as the team’s manager partner. Kleinman also has contended that the Yankees owe him more than $1 million as the result of his firing.

Under the agreement reported in today’s editions of the New York Times, Kleinman would receive the money from the Yankees and drop the lawsuit against Vincent that has been a roadblock in Steinbrenner’s attempt to resume day-to-day control of the team.

Bryn Smith, St. Louis Cardinal pitcher, is expected to miss at least two months after underdoing arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. . . . The New York Mets placed shortstop Kevin Elster on the 15-day disabled list because of his weak right shoulder.