By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Tuesday's game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Barry Larkin is on the verge of coming off the disabled list.

The veteran shortstop, who has been on the DL with a strained left calf since May 22, worked out again Tuesday and likely will be activated for the series against the Phillies that begins Friday.

"Most likely he'll be reinstated Friday at home with the remote possibility we could activate him in the next day or two to pinch hit," general manager Jim Bowden said.

"I would think, right now, it's more likely it will happen this weekend."

Larkin ran and took batting practice Tuesday and reported no pain. He will work out again today.

"I think that's the key: being able to go back-to-back days," Larkin said. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow and if it feels well then I imagine they'll make a decision."

AT THE TABLE: The Reds have begun negotiations with first-round draft pick Ryan Wagner.

The pitcher's season ended when the University of Houston lost to Rice 5-2 in Game 3 of the NCAA Super Regional.

Reds national cross checker Jimmy Gonzales was at Monday's decisive game and met with Wagner and his family afterward.

"With the combination of Jim Bowden and myself working with the family I believe we'll get this done sooner rather than later," said Leland Maddox, assistant general manager/director of scouting.

Wagner, who was selected 14th overall, was impressive in two relief appearances against Rice. He did not allow a hit, struck out 10 and retired 17 of 18 batters he faced in five scoreless innings.

The Reds have signed 10 of their 50 draft picks.

NOW AT DH: Ken Griffey Jr. started Tuesday's game as the Reds' designated hitter.

"I told him he wasn't going to play all three (in the field)," manager Bob Boone said. "But if he wants to DH he can just do that."

After going 1-for-3 against the Devil Rays, Griffey has a .251 batting average with 15 homers and 33 RBI lifetime as a designated hitter.

ROTATION SHIFT: Because of the blister that formed on Danny Graves' right index finger, the Reds have pushed his next scheduled start to Saturday.

John Riedling and Ryan Dempster will pitch the final two games against the Devil Rays.

Graves is scheduled to throw on the side today.

ODDS AND ENDS: Tuesday marked the 59th anniversary of radio announcer Joe Nuxhall's major-league debut with the Reds as a 15-year-old.First-base coach Jose Cardenal did not attend Tuesday's game because his wife, Diane, became a United States citizen in a ceremony in Chicago. Bench coach Ray Knight took his place.

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