By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Saturday's game

As painful as Wily Mo Pena's strained right hamstring appeared to be Friday, the injury could help his development in the long run.

The Reds placed the seldom-used outfielder on the 15-day disabled list before Saturday's game, meaning he likely will not be seen around Great American Ball Park for a while.

Out of minor-league options because he signed a major-league contract with the Yankees in 1998, Pena was hitting .086 in 35 at-bats and had started just two games this season before he suffered the injury pinch-hitting in the seventh inning.

"It was too bad," Reds general manager Jim Bowden said. "We'll get him healthy and at that point probably put him on a rehab assignment. Those at-bats during the rehab assignment certainly will help him."

Once Pena, who had surgery to repair a torn left hamstring in October, is cleared to begin rehabilitating, his life will get much busier.

Bowden would like Pena, whose raw talent and potential remain the reasons why the Reds have held onto him, to get 90 at-bats during the 20-day rehab stint.

After the season, the 21-year-old is expected to play in the Florida instructional league, Arizona Fall League and Dominican Winter League.

And then?

"We'll bring him to spring training and do the same thing we did this year - have him play two games and get eight at-bats every day," Bowden said. "And hope to make up for what happened this year."

LATE SCRATCH: Outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. was scratched from the starting lineup after feeling dizzy and light-headed while warming up.

The temperature at game time was 90 degrees.

Griffey, who through Friday had three hits in his past 23 at-bats, was available to play.

THE LEFTIES: Pitchers Gabe White (strained left groin) and Kent Mercker (sprained lower back) both threw in the bullpen before the game and reported no pain.

Both left-handed relievers are expected to throw lightly on the side today.

While Mercker is eligible to come off the disabled list Thursday, White is eligible to come off today and could take Pena's place on the active roster.

"There's a chance, but I'm not planning on it," manager Bob Boone said. "We'll see how he presents himself (today)."

ODDS AND ENDS: An MRI performed on Jason LaRue's left shoulder Saturday showed the catcher has a bruised rotator cuff. He was not in the starting lineup and is day-to-day. LaRue bruised the shoulder when a pitch hit him June 29th.

• Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek said Saturday that Rule 5 pitcher Luke Prokopec will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Prokopec was rehabilitating from undergoing the same surgery in September while with the Blue Jays. Kremchek will use screws to attach the labrum to the bone.