Walker stats

        The Reds' trade of Alex Ochoa to Colorado brought Todd Walker, a second baseman, to the Reds.

        The Reds already had a second baseman, Pokey Reese. But Reese is playing shortstop while Barry Larkin is on the disabled list recovering from a strained right groin muscle.

        So what happens when Larkin comes back?

        “We'll deal with that if it happens,” Reds manager Bob Boone said.

        Notice he said “if,” not “when.” That might be the strongest indication yet that the Reds are not expecting Larkin to return.

        An MRI on his groin Tuesday showed no improvement from the previous test.

        Larkin also is suffering from a sports hernia, which might require surgery. If Larkin is not close to returning in a week or two, the decision could be made to end his season and have the hernia surgery done.

        The other possibility is Reese will be traded. The Reds have shopped him to other teams. If they can get pitching for him, he could be gone before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline.

        If Walker, who was hitting .297 with 12 home runs at the time of the trade, shows the Reds he can be effective every day at second base, they could move Reese in the offseason.

        “Our No.1 priority is to get pitching,” Reds general manager Jim Bowden said. “No.2 was the middle infield.”

        That might not bode well for Reese's future as a Red. He has won two straight Gold Gloves at second. But he's hitting .230 since the All-Star break last year.

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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