Ken Griffey, Jr. belts one into the Allegheny River. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        PITTSBURGH — Ken Griffey Jr.'s return to the lineup came two days earlier than expected.

        Griffey started Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was his first start since Aug.29.

        Reds manager Bob Boone planned to start Griffey this weekend in the final games at Cinergy Field.

        He pushed up the timetable after watching Griffey Monday.

        “He looked pretty frisky,” Boone said. “I don't know how long he'll go. We're going to be careful with him.”

        Griffey has been limited to pinch-hitting by a hip flexor/quadriceps injury for almost three weeks.

        Wednesday was only his 45th start of the season. Boone said Griffey won't start all of the final 11 games. His main objective is to keep Griffey from re-injuring himself.

        “I want it so he doesn't have to rehab in the offseason,” Boone said.

Pirates 3, Reds 2 Reds Box, Runs Radel: Cinergy Field Griffey returns to the lineup Reds notes: Boone rests Santiago suspended for bumping umpire Tawny Kitaen pleads down spousal abuse case Astros 3, Brewers 1 Cardinals 8, Rockies 5 Athletics 7, Angels 4 Diamondbacks 10, Padres 3 Giants 7, Dodgers 4 Mariners 3, Rangers 2, 10 innings

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