Hamilton legs out single, suffers sore groin

ST. LOUIS -- The Reds' lineup could be shorthanded some more after leadoff hitter and center fielder Billy Hamilton left Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Cardinals with a sore right groin muscle.

In the top of the eighth inning, Hamilton snapped an 0-for-14 skid by beating out a ground ball hit behind second base. He appeared to overextend his right leg while jumping over the leg of first baseman Matt Adams.

Head trainer Paul Lessard and manager Bryan Price looked over Hamilton before removing him from the game.

"It's another day-to-day type injury, and hopefully he'll be back in the next day or two," Price said.

Kristopher Negron replaced Hamilton as a pinch-runner and also took over in center field for the bottom of the eighth inning.

After the game, Hamilton left the clubhouse without speaking to reporters.

After a hot start in the first couple of games, Hamilton is batting .195, including a 4-for-32 stretch over his last eight games.

The Reds have also been without catcher Devin Mesoraco the past five games because of a left hip impingement.