By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Thursday's game

Barry Larkin understands what the Reds are trying to do. "I realize that Felipe (Lopez) is the future," Larkin said. "They have to keep him sharp. ... I just hope when he plays it doesn't mean I'm not playing. I still consider myself an everyday player."

Lopez got his first start of the year Thursday - at shortstop - which left Larkin out of the lineup.

Larkin was not happy about it.

"I'd rather be playing," he said. "But I'm not."

Larkin did enter as part of a double switch in the seventh inning and went 0-for-2.

That he turns 39 in three weeks, is coming off a year in which he hit .245 and has a history of injuries makes Larkin an ideal candidate for rest.

But Larkin was coming off a two-hit game Wednesday and hit .302 in spring training - and the Reds have been struggling to score runs. Lopez's natural position is shortstop, but he also can play second or third base. Larkin played a game in the outfield in spring training.

So the Reds could have sat someone else.

Second baseman Aaron Boone, third baseman Brandon Larson and left fielder Adam Dunn all came out of spring training struggling. Boone and Larson each had one hit in the first two games.

Dunn went hitless.

Reds manager Bob Boone was coy when asked if he'd use a rotation with Lopez.

"Stay tuned," he said.

But he later said he'd probably play Lopez at positions other than shortstop.