Khalil Greene out for the year

San Diego Padres shortstop and rookie of the year candidate Khalil Greene found out on Wednesday that he has a small fracture in his right index finger that will likely cost him the rest of the season.

Khalil Greene was hitting .273 with 15 homers and 65 RBI in 137 games.

The biggest praise has been for his fielding prowess as he has solidified the shortstop position in San Diego. At 24, he has queitly become one of the better all around shortstops in the game.

Greene is not expected to even be able to throw for four weeks.

"The next day, when the swelling didn't go down, I knew it would be tough to throw," said Greene who injured thehand while fielding a grounder. "There's nothing you can do about it. Injuries happen, they're part of the game."

Greene had a torrid month of August where he hit .311 with five homers and 16 RBI's, earning National League honors along the way.

"It's a tough break for Khalil. He's had a terrific year," Manager Bruce Bochy said. "It's a blow for us because of what he's done defensively and offensively.

"That's going to be it for him for the rest of the season," Bochy conceded. "It's a tough break for Khalil and for us. He's had a tremendous year. I hope this doesn't affect any rookie of the year voting."

Rich Aurilia and Ramon Vasquez will split time in Greene's absence. Aurilia is batting .268 on the year and Vasquez is hitting .200