Barry Larkin leaves the field with trainer Greg Lynn. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        Shortstop Barry Larkin aggravated his strained right groin in Thursday night's sixth inning, leaving his immediate playing future uncertain until his condition is evaluated today.

        Larkin darted to his right to snare Sammy Sosa's grounder, backhanded the ball and slipped on the wet grass. Larkin seemed to stumble as he tried to steady himself before falling to the ground in pain.

        The Reds' captain immediately was surrounded by teammates, manager Bob Boone and members of the Reds' medical staff. He walked off the field under his own power, with team medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek and trainer Greg Lynn by his side.

        Larkin had been scheduled to undergo a CT scan and an MRI examination today in an effort to learn more about his injury. Those tests, and perhaps more, doubtlessly still will be conducted.

        Larkin, 37, originally hurt his groin March 1 in the exhibition opener against Cleveland. He rested through much of the exhibition season and hit .354 through May 1 before his discomfort increased, forcing him to the disabled list May 18. Larkin had hit .205 since being activated June 15.

        Larkin, who was 0-for-2 Thursday, had returned to the Reds' lineup, refreshed after a day's rest but seemingly weary of questions about his troublesome right groin.

        Larkin was replaced by Juan Castro, who could step in if a replacement is needed for an extended period. Moving second baseman Pokey Reese to shortstop, his natural position, is another option. Reese started at shortstop in 17 games earlier this season.

        Should Larkin be forced to the disabled list again, potential replacements at Triple-A Louisville include utilitymen Bill Selby, who had an earlier stint with Cincinnati this year, or Chris Sexton, a Red at the end of last season.

        Asked before the game if he was feeling physically fine, Larkin replied, “Ask Nuxie. He knows.”

        Larkin was referring to broadcaster Joe Nuxhall's comment that he was “losing it” in the field.

        Nuxhall declined to embroil himself in any further fuss. “It's water under the bridge,” he said.

Tuesday story: Nuxhall: Larkin showing his age
Wednesday story: Larkin blames groin injury for defensive problems

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