By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Still walking with a protective boot on his right foot, Ken Griffey Jr. made an appearance in the Reds clubhouse Friday.

The Reds center fielder, whose season ended when he tore an ankle tendon July 17, was there to get an update on that injury and his upcoming shoulder surgery.

Griffey is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair a torn labrum in the right shoulder he dislocated April 5.

"I feel all right," he said. "I feel good."

The visit was Griffey's first since the chaotic week of firings and trades within the Reds organization began.

"No opinion," he said of all that had transpired the previous four days. "I want to leave it alone. I think that's fair."

But he did have kind words for former teammate Aaron Boone.

The third baseman, whose locker was beside Griffey's in the Reds clubhouse, was traded to the Yankees for three minor-league pitchers Thursday.

"I'm happy for him, but I'm sad to see him go," Griffey said. "That's every player's dream to be in a pennant race."

He continued: "He's been a big part of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Reds. He's just one of those guys that would give you everything he's got. If you asked him for something, he'd take the shirt off his back for you."

GETTING BETTER: Outfielder Austin Kearns, on the disabled list since July 17 with an inflamed right rotator cuff, is throwing without pain.

Head trainer Mark Mann said Kearns will throw today and, if everything is fine, probably will be sent on a rehabilitation assignment next week.

GETTING BETTER, PART II: Relief pitcher Scott Sullivan, on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis since July 18, long-tossed Thursday and reported no pain.

"His complaint has been pain in the back of his shoulder when he's pitched off the mound," Mann said. "It's been quite a while since he's actually thrown off the mound. That's the next big step. We see that taking place in the next two to three days."

MINOR MATTER: Pitcher Phil Dumatrait, who was acquired in the trade that sent Scott Williamson to the Red Sox on Tuesday, made his debut with Single-A Potomac on Thursday.

The left-hander allowed six runs on seven hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out six to get the win.