FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Orioles' plan for their everyday lineup was dramatically complicated yesterday when second baseman Delino DeShields suffered a fractured left thumb during an afternoon intrasquad game.

The freak injury occurred during the third inning when DeShields gloved a line drive from outfield prospect Luis Matos. The break occurred in the bone below the knuckle, according to general manager Frank Wren.

Orioles officials estimate DeShields' hand will remain in a cast for three to four weeks, with two to three weeks after that devoted to rehabilitation, meaning backup Jeff Reboulet graduates to probable second baseman on Opening Day, which is 4 1/2 weeks away.

Before leaving to be examined, DeShields said, "It's no big deal. I think I probably bruised it. I'll be all right." Within two hours, he returned to Fort Lauderdale Stadium with a cast running from his hand to his forearm.

"I guess if it had to happen, this is a good time," manager Ray Miller said. "It's certainly better than it happening at the end of spring. I'm sure he'll be back sooner than later."

Reboulet wasn't exactly heartened by the news that he would inherit playing time at DeShields' expense. "That's not a good start," Reboulet said. "That's bad because all you can do is stand there and throw and run and wait."

Reboulet is bothered by persistent tendinitis in his left heel, a condition that has limited his participation but will not prevent him from starting at second base and batting in DeShields' No. 2 hole during tomorrow's exhibition opener against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers.

Miller said he will spell Reboulet with the contenders for his former role of backup utility infielder -- Jerry Hairston, Jesse Garcia and Carlos Casimiro. Wren and Miller also suggested that Rich Amaral, the team's projected fourth outfielder, could be used on a spot basis. Amaral played 11 games at second base last season for the Seattle Mariners.

The Orioles greeted Hairston in camp by returning him to shortstop after switching him to second base at Bowie last season. Garcia is considered a defensive specialist whose rapid rise led the team to expose prospect David Lamb to the Rule 5 draft. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected him.

Miller left little doubt Reboulet would open the season as his starting second baseman. Perhaps hoping to stoke competition among prospects, Wren was less certain.

"I don't think that would be the feeling sitting here today," Wren said. "We've still got a full spring of games to watch and see how it all plays out."

Reboulet landed in a similar position last year when Roberto Alomar suffered an injury to his right pinkie. In 14 consecutive starts from July 18 to Aug. 2, Reboulet was 14-for-52 with four RBIs. Upon Alomar's return, Reboulet was again exiled to reserve status and didn't manage a hit after Aug. 7.

News of the injury took many players by surprise, even those who had seen DeShields leave the game in pain. Most had expected to learn he had suffered nothing worse than a bone bruise. "I don't have any reaction because I didn't know he had broken it," said left fielder B. J. Surhoff.

"I told Delino to put the time to good use and get his body in even better shape," Miller said. "I'd like him to still be around to bond with the club because it can be a valuable time for him."

The Orioles hope DeShields will provide an infusion of speed while replacing Alomar, who soured the team and especially Miller with his perceived indifference last season. DeShields had made a solid first impression and had begun the subtle process of learning the idiosyncrasies of shortstop Mike Bordick. While both players downplayed the amount of time needed to become a comfortable double-play combination, Bordick conceded yesterday's injury will retard the growth of a comfort level between the two.

"The more you play with somebody, the better you're going to be," Bordick said. "So many situations come up when you need to nod at him or him give you a look. The more you play with somebody, the more you learn their body language and how they respond to certain situations. In that regard, it's going to be tough."

Miller said: "Obviously, he's down about it. But he'll be back. Sometimes things happen for a reason. Right now I don't know what the reason is."

With two outs in the third inning, Matos sliced a shot at DeShields, who was handcuffed by the ball's movement and made the catch in the palm of his glove. He flexed the hand as he left the field and sought out head trainer Richie Bancells.

"That ball was hit very hard. It may have sailed on him. He went to catch it and it might have been knuckling because it came right back at him. It got him. It was one of those balls that took off at the last moment," Wren said.

Wincing in pain, DeShields still batted in the bottom of the inning and singled to left field. Afterward, he reported increased discomfort. The team's local physician, Dr. Jim Guerra, took X-rays of the hand and discovered the fracture.

"He was very tender to Richie when Richie was checking him out," Wren said. "As a precaution, we sent him out to be X-rayed. He came back with a fracture."

Signed as a free agent last November to a three-year, $12.5 million contract, DeShields will be limited to running while the Orioles play 25 exhibition games. Miller guessed he would miss the team's opening homestand, April 5-11. The Orioles can disable DeShields retroactively to 10 days before the end of camp.

Pub Date: 3/05/99