Chase Headley injures thumb, could miss Opening Day for Padres

Chase Headley #7 of the San Diego Padres poses during MLB photo day February 18, 2013. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)

San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley could miss the start of the regular season due to a left thumb injury, according to MLB.com reporter Corey Brock. Headley injured his left thumb sliding into second base attempting to break up a double play during a game on Sunday. He will be traveling back to San Diego to see a hand specialist for further tests.

Headley is coming off his best season as a Padre, leading the National League in RBIs (115) while setting a new career-high in home runs with 31. He finished fifth in the NL MVP voting last season.

"He's a very important player for us," manager Bud Black said. "We're hoping for the best."

The Padres open the regular season on the road against the Mets at Citi Field on April 1.

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