For the time being, Pokey Reese will be the Reds' leadoff hitter. Todd Walker, obtained in the Alex Ochoa deal Thursday, could be an option.

        “I don't know (where Walker will hit),” manager Bob Boone said. “I want to see him first.”

        Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves was Reese's sixth straight game in the leadoff spot. He is 5-for-24 (.208) with two runs scored and four stolen bases in that stretch.

        Reese hasn't hit well wherever he has been in the order — he's hitting .227 for the year — but batting leadoff, he's able to use his speed.

        “If he can hit there, it's going to help us,” Boone said. “When you put him down in the lineup, you take away his legs.”

        The plan was to have Barry Larkin bat leadoff. But Larkin has missed more than half the season with a strained groin muscle.

        That, more than anything else, has stalled the Reds' offense, Boone said.

        “Injuries have been a big factor,” Boone said. “We miss Larkin's presence. He makes a lot of things happen up top.”

        CASEY OUT: Sean Casey missed his fifth straight start since straining a tendon in his left ankle.

        Casey did some running and agility drills for assistant trainer Mark Mann be fore the game.

        “I thought I could play, but it was a little more sore than I thought,” Casey said. “Hopefully, I'll be ready (today). We'll see.”

        Casey had a pinch-hit single in the ninth to drive in the Reds' only run Thursday.

        GRIFFEY IN: Boone thought about giving Ken Griffey Jr. Thursday off, but with Casey out of the lineup, Griffey started and went 2-for-4.

        Griffey is still somewhat slowed by the hamstring injury that kept him out for nearly two months. But he has started to play center field like a 10-time Gold Glove winner.

        Griffey made two over-the-shoulder catches and two sliding stops to cut off balls in the gap in the past three days.

        “He's not back to normal,” Boone said. “But you can see that extra gear he has.”

        NOW THAT'S A TRICK: A couple magicians visited the Reds clubhouse before the game and entertained the Reds with their tricks. But they couldn't pull off the big one.

        First base coach Bill Doran picked up the lineup sheet, pointed to the Reds' record and said, “See if you can make this disappear.”

        STAT OF THE DAY: The Reds ended the eight-game homestand 10-for-54 (.185) with runners in scoring position.
       B—DMartinez (8), Griffey Jr (5), ABoone (17). HR—DMartinez (1) off

Reds call Dunn to the rescue SULLIVAN: Larkin or Reese will have to go Rijo closer to start with Reds DAUGHERTY: Don't turn Rijo into a sideshow Ochoa-Walker trade a bit surprising Young thinks he might still get traded Who plays second 'if' Larkin returns? Walker could take leadoff spot Braves 2, Reds 1 Braves determined to stay in first this time Reds-Marlins Scouting Report Reds box, runs Local ump pleased controversy's over

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