PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Barry Larkin's first chance in the field couldn't be an easy one. No, Texas Rangers star Alex Rodriguez drilled a grounder to Larkin's right — deep into the hole at shortstop.

        It was the exact kind of play Larkin hurt himself on last year early in training spring. But Larkin went and got the ball.

        “I was thinking, "(Darn), no turf. I can't bounce it,'” he said. “But I got my feet under me and threw a strike.”

        Rodriguez was out by a step.

        The Reds went on to lose to the Rangers 4-3, but the Larkin play was significant given his injuries last year. He missed all but 45 games because of a torn groin muscle and a sports hernia. The play he made Saturday was just the kind he had trouble with last year.

Reds shortstop Barry Larkin fields ground balls during an informal spring training workout. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        “I felt good,” he said. “I was a little surprised by how good.”

        “I'm going to baby him a bit,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “But he's confident he's healthy. He's put himself through a lot of strenuous stuff in his training.”

        Larkin's sole goal this year is to stay healthy.

        “If I'm healthy,” he said, “I think I can do my thing.”

        For the Reds to have any chance this year, they need Larkin to do his thing. Saturday was a good first step.

        “I felt balanced,” he said. “I felt strong.”

        Larkin went 0-for-2 against Texas right-hander Chan Ho Park, but he was pleased with his at-bats.

        “I thought I'd be lost,” he said. “That was the first time I faced live pitching since June. I hadn't even faced any of our pitchers. I was surprised how good I felt.”

        HAYNES DEBUT:

        Jimmy Haynes worked two scoreless innings in his spring debut. Haynes, a 29-year-old free agent, allowed a hit and struck out one.

        “He showed he knows what he's doing out there,” Boone said.

        The Reds' bargain-basement free agent pitchers — Haynes, Brian Bohanon and Joey Hamilton — each have pitched two scoreless innings in their first outings of the spring. Haynes is the only one to allow a hit.

        PRAISE FOR HECTOR:

        Boone was particularly impressed with left-hander Hector Mercado, who worked a scoreless inning in Saturday's 4-3 loss.

        “We want him to use the breaking ball more,” Boone said. “He went in and dropped three right in there. He had a plan and executed it.”

        LaRUE SIGNS:

        Jason LaRue was signed to a one-year contract Saturday, leaving Adam Dunn as the only unsigned Red.

        The team has the right to renew Dunn's contract.

        Reds assistant general manager Doc Rodgers was hopeful that Dunn would be signed by the end of Saturday.

        “His agent has to talk to Adam,” Rodgers said.

        RIJO ROCKED:

        Jose Rijo took the loss in the Reds' 6-4 loss in the “B” game with Texas Saturday.

        Rijo gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits in two innings of work.

        Of the six pitchers the Reds used, Brian Reith was most impressive, striking out two in 1 1/3 innings.

Don't worry, we're happy, Reds assert Jr. one slugger who values health over homers Reds Q & A with John Fay Reitsma fastball showing some pop Rangers 4, Reds 3 Reds notebook Baseball notebook

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