ST. LOUIS - Ken Griffey Jr. missed his sixth straight start with a strained hip flexor/quadriceps. Griffey said he won't shut it down for the year.

        “Sept. 30,” he said. “That's when I shut it down.”

        Sept. 30 is the day of the last game.

        “Until then, if I'm ready, I'll be out there,” he said.

        FIRST AT FIRST: Russell Branyan started at first base Wednesday. It was Branyan's first career appearance at the position.

        He did play three games there this year in spring training with the Indians. He had to borrow a mitt from Casey.

        “But I'm pretty comfortable going out there,” Branyan said.

        Branyan also has played third base and left field for the Reds.

        RIEDLING BACK: As expected, right-hander John Riedling was activated from the DL Wednesday.

        Boone said he wouldn't hesitate to put in Riedling, who was on the DL with a strained groin muscle, with the game on the line.

        FARM REPORT: Single-A Dayton lost the opening game of its best-of-three playoff series with West Michigan Tuesday.

        Rookie Billings opens its series against Great Falls today.

        Single-A Stockton opens its playoff run next week.

        UP NEXT: The Reds are off today. They begin a three-game series with the Brewers in Milwaukee on Friday.

A's win 20th straight after blowing 11-0 lead Cardinals 10, Reds 5 Reds Box, Runs Foul ball ends Larson's season Casey may call it a year Reds Notebook: Still no Griffey Cardinals never say die Padres 5, Astros 1 Rockies 2, Giants 1

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