Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr. warm up before Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Philadelphia Phillies. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        SARASOTA, Fla — Barry Larkin was scheduled to complete agility workouts Saturday.

        “Why don't I go do them on the field?” Larkin thought.

        After assuring Reds manager Bob Boone that he felt fine, Larkin was inserted into the lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies — about 35 minutes before the first pitch at Ed Smith Stadium.

        It was his first spring training game since March14. He had missed seven straight games since experiencing irritation from the mesh used to repair his hernia.

        With Larkin in the lineup, along with Ken Griffey Jr. who hadn't played since Wednesday because of a minor knee injury, the Reds featured the lineup Boone said the club will use Opening Day.

        “The idea is to be ready Opening Day,” Larkin said after playing four innings.

        He grounded out in the first and singled to center field in the fourth. He also threw out several Phillies from his shortstop position.

        “This is just another step,” Larkin said.

        After the game, Larkin ran on the treadmill and completed lower abdominal exercises in the clubhouse. The swelling has been there since his surgery, and he does feel its effect. But the discomfort wasn't enough to keep him from playing Saturday.

        Larkin played in only 45 games last year because of assorted injuries.

        Although he hadn't played for nine days, he has taken batting practice and hit well.

        Larkin said he ran bases Friday and felt good. So he asked Boone for a chance to do it in a game situation.

        One hit, though, was apparently enough. After singling off Vicente Padilla in the fourth, Gookie Dawkins took the base for Larkin.

        Griffey played six innings, going 0-for-3. The Reds lost 4-3 in front of 4,774 fans.

        “It was good to get them to play a little bit,” Boone said.

        Larkin and Griffey will not play against Cleveland in Winter Haven today. Larkin said he expects to play Monday against Boston in Sarasota.

        His lingering wounds will be there, too.

        “The inflammation calms down, but the swelling is going to be there,” he said.

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