PHOENIX, May 7 (UPI) -- Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Craig Counsell suffered a dislocated right thumb in Tuesday night's 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Counsell was injured sliding into second base while trying to break up a double play. Television replays indicated he got his hand caught on the bag.
Counsell was scheduled to undergo an MRI Wednesday, and be placed on the 15-day disabled list. The team will update his condition following the MRI.
"Going back to the last few years, he is a big part of everything we do, offensively, defensively, his base running, his knowledge of the game, instincts," said Arizona Manager Bob Brenly.
"All he does is play solid baseball," said first baseman Mark Grace. "Obviously, he is going to be missed."
Losing Counsell for an extended period of time would be another blow to the defending National League West champions, who already have seen pitchers Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling land on the disabled list this season.
Johnson underwent surgery last week and is expected to be out 3-6 weeks. Schilling returned from the DL on Saturday, but did not pitch well.
Counsell, the MVP of the 2001 NL Championship Series, is a key component of the Arizona infield. He has the ability to play second, third, and shortstop.
After a slow start this season, Counsell has begun to turn things around. He hit his first homer of the season, a solo shot in Tuesday's game, and is batting .276 with 10 RBI on the campaign.
Counsell was sidelined from Aug. 9 through the end of last season with a herniated disc in his neck.
