Royals' Gordon out with broken right thumb

Mar 7, 2010 - 6:40 PM SURPRISE, Ariz.(AP) -- Royals third baseman Alex Gordon is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks with a broken right thumb.

Gordon was injured when he slid headfirst into second base on an attempted steal in the second inning of the Royals' 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday.

Gordon had hip surgery last April and played in only 49 games, hitting .232 with six homers and 22 RBIs. He was originally acquired with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft.

Gordon, who bats left and throws right, is unable to swing or throw, but can do cardio work and field groundballs. It is doubtful he will be ready for the Royals' season opener on April 5 against the Detroit Tigers.