Results from an MRI performed Tuesday night on Barry Larkin's right groin showed the shortstop's condition hasn't changed much, said Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek.

        “It hasn't gotten worse, but it hasn't gotten better,” Kremchek said.

        Kremchek said Larkin probably will undergo another MRI in three weeks, which is when a decision could be made on whether the team captain continues to heal naturally or undergoes surgery. Kremchek added that Larkin, placed on the disabled list June 29, might resume baseball-related activities in the next couple of weeks.

        WEATHERING THE STORM: Tuesday's overnight storms forced Cinergy Field head groundskeeper Doug Gallant and his crew to work overtime to prepare the diamond, especially the infield's dirt portion, for Wednesday's game.

        “It's one of the facts of life,” said a composed Gallant, who said at 4:30 p.m. that he and his helpers hadn't yet stopped for lunch. “It goes with the territory.”

        The grounds crew raked clay and rapid-dry materials into the infield dirt. The tarpaulin that covers it was said to have blown off overnight.

        Gallant said problems might have ensued even if the “skin” tarp, which covers only the dirt, had remained in place: “It's designed to hold in moisture when it's hot out but not really designed to keep water out.”

        Just a few days ago, players complained the sun-baked infield was too hard.

        “I think in the long run, it's probably the best thing to happen to the field,” Gallant said. “I just would rather have done it when they're out of town for 10 days, instead of having a nationally televised game.”

        ETC.: The Los Angeles Dodgers, who previously have shown interest in Reds shortstop Reese, had a scout at Cinergy Wednesday. But with ace right-hander Kevin Brown sidelined for at least four weeks, the Dodgers have intensified their focus on starting pitching. Money also seems to be an issue for the Dodgers. The Los Angeles Times reported the Dodgers declined a trade that would have brought them San Diego right-hander Woody Williams, who's owed about $2.5 million for the rest of this season. Reese has a $3.2 million salary and is arbitration-eligible.

        • First baseman Sean Casey missed his fourth consecutive start since straining a tendon in his left ankle Saturday, but he predicted he'd start today. Casey pinch hit in Tuesday's eighth inning and drew a walk.

        • Right-handers Pete Harnisch (elbow) and John Riedling (shoulder) both felt encouraged after throwing off a bullpen mound. Harnisch said he threw 28 pitches; Riedling said he tossed 23. They'll probably try again Friday.

        • As if the Reds didn't have enough aspiring starters at Triple-A Louisville, knuckleballer Jared Fernandez has hit his stride. Fernandez pitched his fourth complete game Tuesday of the season, in a 9-3 victory Tuesday at Indianapolis, to push his league-high innings total to 141.

Braves 3, Reds 1 Junior's plea: Don't cut costs Larkin may need surgery Boone will watch Rijo tonight Boone not bowing to trade rumors Reds box, runs Bonds hits Nos. 41, 42

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