Shortstop Barry Larkin downplayed the 2,000-hit milestone he'll soon reach.

        “It's just a number,” said Larkin, who went 1-for-4 Friday to push his career hit total to 1,999.

        When someone suggested that 2,000 was a big number, Larkin said: “It is a big number, but it's a number that I'll probably appreciate more when I'm done playing. I've never been a guy who set (statistical goals). I just want to win; that's really it.”

        Larkin, who recorded his first major-league hit on Aug. 15, 1986, against San Diego's Dave Dravecky, resides in a select group of players to combine power with speed. Once he amasses his 2,000th hit, he'll be the only shortstop to accumulate at least 2,000 hits, 170 homers and 350 stolen bases. The other six players to achieve that trifecta are Paul Molitor, Rickey Henderson, Willie Davis, Joe Morgan, Barry Bonds and Cesar Cedeno.

        Another Larkin item: He'll be the guest host for This Week in Baseball 12:30 today on Channel 19.

        ETC.: Second baseman Pokey Reese was scratched from the starting lineup with a tight left hamstring Friday. Reese, who was replaced by Juan Castro, would have led off for the first time since July 5 as manager Jack McKeon tried to stimulate the Reds' dormant offense. Michael Tucker batted first instead.

        • Catcher Eddie Taubensee (back) wasn't sure how much longer he'll remain on the disabled list. “I guess I'll find out once I start doing baseball activities and pushing my body on a more regular basis,” said Taubensee, who expects to receive his third epidural steroid injection next week. “Right now I feel good doing my exercises and that's all I can tell you.”

        • Left fielder Dmitri Young (bruised right shoulder) received another day of rest after injuring himself in Wednesday's finale at Milwaukee. “It's one of the daily grinds of playing 162 ballgames,” said Young, who tripped over Brewers first baseman Richie Sexson's foot while running out a groundball.

        • A three-umpire crew worked Friday's game, due to Terry Craft's illness.

        UP NEXT: Steve Parris (6-14), who has a 2.51 ERA (eight earned runs, 28ö innings) in his last four starts, opposes left-hander Jimmy Anderson (4-5) at at 1:15p.m. today.

Pirates 6, Reds 3 Box, runs Top 3 draftees may go unsigned Larkin's next hit No. 2000 Miami grad doing well with Pirates

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