GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Indians outfielder David Dellucci will miss at least the first three Cactus League games after cutting his left thumb while packing for spring training.

Dellucci, who throws left-handed, slammed a trailer tailgate on his thumb at his home in Baton Rouge, La., on Feb. 1. He needed three stitches to close the gash and a hand specialist performed minor surgery.

Dellucci did not reveal the injury to reporters until Saturday. He said he'll be one week behind but was able to throw Friday and hit off a tee without pain.

The 35-year-old outfielder is in the final season of a three-year, $11.5 million contract that has not panned out for Cleveland. Dellucci missed most of 2006 with a torn hamstring and last season batted just .238 in 113 games.