Reds’ Casey Is Improving

The vision is nearly normal in the right eye of Cincinnati first baseman Sean Casey, who still probably faces surgery after being hit in the eye by a thrown ball on Thursday.

Casey was scheduled to be released from a hospital today after suffering a broken bone, two gashes that required 20 stitches and blood in the eyeball in the accident, which occurred during infield practice.

Club officials had feared the injury would threaten his career, but Dr. Timothy Kremchek said that his vision had improved dramatically.

Casey probably will have surgery next week to stabilize the broken bone below the eye with a plate. He should be able to play in 3-6 weeks.

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Catcher Eddie Taubensee agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Reds that includes an option for a third year. Taubensee will get $1.2 million next season and $1.4 million in 2000. . . . Montreal sent pitcher Steve Falteisek to triple-A Ottawa.