Notebook: Kearns fitted for cast on broken arm

CINCINNATI -- Reds outfielder Austin Kearns got a small cast on his left forearm Tuesday after breaking a bone when he was hit by a pitch.

Ryan Vogelsong's pitch hit Kearns just above the wrist in the first inning Monday night in Pittsburgh. X-rays detected a break in a forearm bone.

While the Reds headed to Milwaukee for a series, Kearns returned to Cincinnati and had more tests that confirmed the break. The Reds will have a better idea of how long he'll be sidelined when Kearns is examined again next Monday.

Jordan activated from disabled list

Brian Jordan was activated from the disabled list yesterday, and he was set to make his Texas Rangers debut against the Royals.

Jordan was in the starting lineup in right field, batting fifth. An NL All-Star in 1999, he signed a $1,375,000, one-year contract with Texas in the offseason.

Jordan was put on the disabled list March 27 with a sprained left knee ligament. He went 2 for 14 in four games with Double-A Frisco in a rehabilitation assignment.

Appier out 4-6 weeks

Royals pitcher Kevin Appier will be out 4-6 weeks with a strained muscle that could be related to his elbow surgery.

Appier, the only right-hander in Kansas City's rotation, came out in the second inning against Minnesota last Friday night. He had surgery in the offseason for a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.

Appier, 36, was re-signed by the Royals last September after being released by Anaheim.

Around the league

Anaheim Angels shortstop David Eckstein left last night's game against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning with a strained right groin. ... The Toronto Blue Jays placed catcher Greg Myers on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left ankle. ... The Boston Red Sox called up Brian Daubach from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace Ellis Burks, who is expected to miss six weeks after knee surgery.