SARASOTA, Fla. — Manager Bob Boone said right-hander John Riedling looked good as he pitched batting practice Friday, his first time facing live batters this spring.

        Riedling had arthroscopic surgery in August to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He was on the 60-day disabled list twice last season.

        “He looks like where (Scott) Williamson was, maybe two weeks ago,” Boone said.

        Williamson is recovering from having ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow in April. He has improved enough to throw 2 2/3 innings in exhibition games this spring.

        The next step for Riedling would be pitching in an exhibition game, but the Reds have only eight remaining and Riedling has not been scheduled for one. He probably will open the season on the 15-day disabled list.

        MELIAN CLAIMED:

        Outfielder Jackson Melian, designated for assignment Wednesday, was claimed off waivers by Milwaukee. Melian came to the Reds with infielder Drew Henson and pitchers Brian Reith and Ed Yarnall from the Yankees in a 2000 trade for Denny Neagle and Mike Frank.

        STARS SIT:

        Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin sat out Friday's game against Pittsburgh. Griffey is bothered by tendinitis in his right knee, and Larkin hasn't played since March 14 due to mild complications from sports hernia surgery.

        Boone said neither injury is serious and the players sat out as a precaution.

Fan favorite Rijo makes team Walker lands at the front of Boone's lineup Pirates 8, Reds 4 Reds notebook Baseball notebook

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