The Reds decided that some rest for Sean Casey's shoulder was a good thing, after all. The first baseman was out of the lineup for the second straight day, and might not start until Sunday's game in New York.

        Casey pinch-hit for Brandon Larson in the ninth inning Monday and flied out to right-center to end the Reds' 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

        “We're trying to quiet this shoulder thing down,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “This is the most convenient time because we're facing left-handers three of the next four days.”

        Actually, the Reds face left-handers three of the next five days.

        Boone wasn't sure if Casey would sit out all five games or not. The shoulder has been bothering him since May.

        Casey saw neurologist Dr. Tom Saul on Monday.

        “I wanted to make sure it wasn't something neurological, meaning nerve,” said Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek. “(Dr. Saul) agrees with me. He thinks it's muscular.”

        The only sure cure for Casey's shoulder, Kremchek said, is four to six weeks of rest. But the Reds are hoping that four to six days helps.

        Resting Casey also gives Boone a chance to play Larson and Russell Branyan. Larson started in left field for the second straight game Monday and Adam Dunn played first.

        “I want to get a chance to see Larson,” Boone said. “I've liked what I've seen so far. He's obviously better than what we saw last year.”

        Larson entered Monday's game hitting .308 with a homer and two RBI in 13 at-bats. He hit .121 in 33 at-bats last year.

        Branyan, who wasn't in the lineup Monday, is hitting .455 with a home run and two RBI in his last six starts.

        Putting Casey on the disabled list still isn't an option.

        “We're not there yet,” Boone said. “But he's certainly not swinging the bat like he's capable of.”

        Casey is hitless in his last 11 at-bats and has one hit in his last 22 at-bats. He is hitting .136 since the end of June.

Rogers keeps Reds waiting Griffey's return a hit Pirates 6, Reds 5 Reds Box, Runs Casey may get extended rest Giles: Dempster out of control Reds Notebook: Reitsma sent to bullpen Reds prospects in limbo, too Fehr: No strike date set Cardinals 5, Giants 3 Diamondbacks 5, Rockies 1 Padres 5, Dodgers 2 Twins 11, White Sox 6 Louisville 5, Durham 4

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