ST. LOUIS - Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Kearns was scratched from a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Louisville on Friday night because of persistent problems with a sore on the inside of his right thumb.

Kearns has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 8 with a blister that became an open wound. A team spokesman said Kearns was sent to Cincinnati for precautionary reasons and will be examined Saturday by Dr. Tim Kremchek, the team's medical director.

Kearns hasn't played since June 1 when he made an appearance as a pinch-hitter. He is batting .195 with three homers and 21 RBIs.