ST. LOUIS — Aaron Boone's absence means Dmitri Young will get another chance to show he can play third base and Brady Clark will get his first chance to play on a regular basis in the big leagues.

        Young moved from left field to third Wednesday, and Clark started in left and batted leadoff. Todd Walker went from first to second in the batting order; Adam Dunn went from second to fifth.

        “That's what you're going to see,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “I want (Clark and Walker) close to the top of the lineup. Ruben (Rivera) will play some.”

        Aaron Boone is out two to four weeks with a fractured bone in his right wrist.

        The Reds could play Wilton Guerrero or Juan Castro at third. Young at third and Clark or Rivera in left is the better offensive answer.

        Jose Rijo will take Boone's roster spot. The Reds planned to go with 12 pitchers anyway.

        Don't look for a minor-league third baseman to get the call while Boone's out. Brandon Larson, the No.1 pick in 1997, struggled when he replaced Aaron Boone the last time he was hurt.

        Larson is hitting only .243 at Triple-A Louisville.

        Young doesn't mind the switch. He started nine games at third — his first games there as a big-leaguer — when Boone was on the disabled list from May 15 to June 15.

        “It helps some people who need to get at-bats get at-bats,” Young said. “Brady and Ruben are good hitters. They deserve a chance.”

        Bob Boone said he's OK with Young at third.

        “I'm comfortable with him there,” the manager said. “He may not make the great plays, but he'll catch it, and he has a strong, accurate arm.”

        The Reds, who scored two runs Monday and one run Tuesday, could use Clark's bat in the lineup.

        Clark entered Wednesday's game as the leading pinch hitter in the majors with a .393 average. Overall, he's hitting .329 with five home runs and 12 RBI.

        “I just take it day by day,” Clark said. “(Getting an opportunity) crosses your mind. But I show up every day prepared to play.”

Cardinals 8, Reds 4 Boone goes on DL again Young to 3B, Clark to LF Cromer gets reprieve Edmonds' hitting picking up Ballpark cost shrinking Reds box, runs

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