By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

For the past two weeks, Reds manager Bob Boone has tried to find the right time to rest third baseman Aaron Boone.

"It's really tough because I don't have a real replacement," he said.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Sunday's game

"When you started the way we started (this season), you're kind of using everybody to get back. But you've got to give them (rests)."

Aaron Boone, who has five hits in his last 42 at-bats, is the only Reds player to appear in all 50 games this season. He is tied for second on the team with 13 homers and is third with 34 RBI.

"I feel fine," he said. "I missed a lot of pitches the last few days . . I actually feel OK at the plate."

Though the Braves are scheduled to throw left-hander Mike Hampton today, Bob Boone said Sunday that he might start Felipe Lopez at third base.

"But I'm going to sleep on it," he said.

SPRING TRAINING IN MAY: Center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. got his first full game off since coming off the disabled list May 13.

He appeared in 11 consecutive games and has begun to come on offensively. Helped by a 4-for-4 performance Saturday, Griffey batted .412 with 3 homers, 6 RBI, 5 runs and 4 walks during the homestand.

"(Saturday) was really the first night he really got locked in," Boone said. "I actually thought about this for four or five days. We're still treating Junior like a spring training guy.

"Hopefully, we'll get over this little period (of readjustment) and go. But I'm a little conscious of the past and what happens. His legs can get a little draggy."

FIRST TIME: Recalled from Double-A Chattanooga on Friday, Rainer Olmedo made his major-league debut as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning Sunday.

The 21-year-old, who likely will be optioned when pitcher Jimmy Haynes comes off the disabled list Tuesday, struck out swinging against Marlins starter Dontrelle Willis.

"Nah," Olmedo said, when asked if he was nervous. "I think the only difference between Double-A and Triple-A and the big leagues is the players here have more experience."

STILL ON: Pitcher Jeff Austin was available out of the bullpen Sunday and remains on schedule to start against the Braves on Wednesday.

"The only thing they've told me is to stay on my normal schedule," he said.

Austin has allowed 10 earned runs in his last two starts covering 3 1/3 innings.

ODDS AND ENDS: Reds shortstop Juan Castro came out in the eighth inning after jamming his thumb in a collision at second base in the third. X-rays showed no broken bones . . . Pitcher Ryan Dempster did not accompany the team on its trip to Atlanta and Florida. The right-hander is scheduled to make a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday . . . Second baseman Ryan Freel went 4-for-10 in two starts against the Marlins.