Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek says Ken Griffey Jr. could be back playing as soon as April 28, as his recovery from a torn patella tendon in his right knee has taken less time than expected.

        Kremchek said at the time of the injury April 7 that Griffey would be out three to six weeks, but given Griffey's progress over the last few days, Kremchek's willing to say it will be closer to three.

        “He looks great,” Kremchek said.

        Griffey took batting practice before Thursday's game and looked good. He hit several balls out. Griffey said Thursday he'll play when the medical staff clears him.

        “If I had my way, we'd activate him today,” Reds general manager Jim Bowden said. “I'm a little bit wiser than that. I'll wait for our medical people to say they're ready for him to play.”

        A three-week recovery period would have Griffey back in center field April28 against the San Francisco Giants at Cinergy Field.

        Kremchek said Griffey will have to be able to run without pain, cut, and start and stop before he'll be cleared to play.

        “He's starting to do that now,” Kremchek said.

Two rallies stave off sweep Reds box, runs Kremchek says Jr. improving quickly Reds have OFs to burn Sunday's start goes to Rijo Reds notes: Acevedo demotion a signal Reds at Chicago Cubs Baseball notes: 3-12 Milwaukee fires Lopes as manager AL: Lofton helps White Sox sweep Indians NL: Sexson gives Royster win in managerial debut

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