Young close, Larkin not

Manager Bob Boone did no underlining Wednesday. But he did scratch Young from the traveling squad for today's game in Port Charlotte, Fla., against the Texas Rangers.

Boone had hoped Young, the left fielder who hasn't played since bruising his right shoulder in a March7 game, would be the designated hitter against the Rangers. But, said Young, “It's still a pinch stiff,” prompting Boone to rest him an extra day. Trainer Greg Lynn said Young should be able to try playing Friday against Detroit.

Shortstop Barry Larkin, who has missed eight games with a strained right groin, said he's feeling fine but won't play before next Tuesday, when Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Reds' team physician, returns here to examine him. Until then, Larkin will continue to work out and take batting practice.

NO REUNION: Center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. was not on the traveling squad for today's game against the Rangers, again delaying the first fuss-fest that surely will result when he and former Seattle Mariners teammate Alex Rodriguez will oppose each other.

Their final chance to meet will come Tuesday, March 27, when Texas comes to Sarasota. If Rodriguez, the Rangers' $252 million shortstop, doesn't make that trip, he and Griffey might not meet until July 10, when the All-Star Game is played in Seattle, of all places.

SIGH OF RELIEF: Danny Graves' arm is in working order, a fact some might take for granted. But he's extremely thankful for this, especially after playing in the major-league exhibition tour of Japan last November.

“That's one reason why I wouldn't want to do it again,” said Graves. “I got away with not getting hurt; I don't want to test it again.”

Other pitchers have complained their arms never felt right after participating in the Japan tour. Graves understood why that extra duty would prove bothersome, because pitchers nurse their arms carefully year-round.

“It was kind of tough to go right back into pitching again a month after the season,” he said. “You go into it thinking: "I'm not going to overdo it. I'm just going to throw it over the plate.' Well, when a batter actually stands up there, it's a little different. You go all-out.”

ETC.: Asked if opposing the Royals held any extra significance for him, Boone laughed and said: “On the record? Of course not.” Boone received his first major-league managerial experience with Kansas City, posting a 181-206 record before he was fired July 9, 1997.

• Needing innings for their pitchers, the Reds sent Elmer Dessens, John Riedling and Arnie Gooch to get some work in a minor-league intrasquad game.

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