CLEVELAND — Though a time frame for Barry Larkin's return to the lineup remained uncertain, the shortstop intensified his running exercises Friday.

        Larkin accelerated his pace as he ran straight ahead and backward and performed shuffling and crossover drills — “things where he's going to get some first-step explosion and lateral movement. That's what he's had problems with,” assistant trainer Mark Mann said.

        Larkin said that though his strength has improved, he hasn't tried running the bases, changing directions or simulating other game situations at a faster level. “Once I do that, I'll be ready to play,” said Larkin, who hasn't played since May 16 and was eligible to leave the disabled list last Friday.

        Aaron Boone's broken right hand didn't respond as well as he had hoped in a session of batting practice.

        “It's better than it was a few days ago, but I don't think I can play,” said Boone, who was injured May 14 when a pitch from Houston's Wade Miller fractured his hamate bone. “I don't think I'm much more than a week away, but I'm frustrated because I wanted to play yesterday.”

        Manager Bob Boone said the pain in his son's right hand prevented him from “finishing” his swing — driving through a pitch upon making contact and following through. The elder Boone suggested that Aaron might resume playing before he totally feels right.

        “It'll probably get incrementally better each day,” Bob Boone said.

Reds 7, Indians 4 Memorable night for Selby Deion gets first shot at DH Larkin, Boone still not ready Rose, 31, undeterred by release Reds box, runs

Satterfield gets mixed reviews at draft camp
Balcomb staying at Xavier
Bengal comes home to find city divided
SULLIVAN: Bowler dies in his prime
Riverfront Classic future in doubt
Kenseth, Skinner won't be at Speedway
La Rosa's names finalists for prep award
Boone Co. advances in Ky. softball tourney
All-Ohio baseball teams
Local boxer gets world bronze
Moeller's Murphy ineligible at UK

• Return to Reds front page...