Reds shortstop Barry Larkin could come off the disabled list as soon as Monday.

        “We're looking at Monday or Tuesday,” said Reds team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek. “We'll take a real active approach from here. The decision will be up to the baseball people. (Manager Jack McKeon) will make the decision after he sees how Barry does in batting practice.”

        Larkin will begin baseball activity today.

        He'll start with lob-toss batting practice and fielding ground balls. Sunday, he'll begin taking live batting practice. “We'll see how he feels and how he reacts,” Kremchek said.

        Larkin had a torn ligament in his right thumb surgically repaired April 22.

        “The hand's good,” Larkin said. “It's been long enough. I'm getting close.”

        Larkin has kept his right arm sharp by throwing batting practice. He also has been fielding balls with a glove on his right hand.

        “I'm getting pretty good at it,” he said. “Michael Tucker said the first time I go in the hole to field a ball I'll grab it bare-handed.”

        The Reds are 10-8 with Larkin out. Rookie Gookie Dawkins and utilityman Juan Castro have filled in well in the field. But Larkin is missed in the No.2 spot in the batting order.

        Larkin was off to one his best starts at the time of the injury, hitting .355 with two home runs, 13 RBI and five steals. His speed at the top of order is missed; he's still second on the team in steals.

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