Outfielder Larry Bigbie, who was batting .400 last month at Triple-A Rochester, suffered another injury yesterday that could keep him out of the Red Wings' lineup for a significant period.

Playing his second game in the outfield since straining a muscle in his right shoulder, Bigbie slid into a concrete wall at Frontier Field while chasing a foul ball against the Ottawa Lynx and severely sprained his right ankle. Bigbie was carried off the field by trainer Dave Walker and coach Butch Davis, and he will be put on the disabled list once a replacement is found.

X-rays were negative, but club officials don't expect Bigbie to return anytime soon.

The 21st overall player taken in the 1999 draft, Bigbie missed 11 games after straining his shoulder while making a diving catch on May 6, and five more after reinjuring it earlier this month.

Bigbie, whose average ranks eighth in the International League, had been the designated hitter for 10 games before playing the outfield Sunday. He was instructed not to slide to protect his shoulder.

The sprained ankle will prevent Bigbie from playing in the Triple-A All-Star Game.