By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HOUSTON - It's a real possibility Barry Larkin has played his last game as a Red.

Larkin was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday after spraining the ring finger on his left hand while swinging at a pitch Friday. Friday's game was Larkin's 2,000th at shortstop. Only 13 others have played 2,000 games at shortstop.

Larkin will be examined by Dr. Tim Kremchek Monday and will undergo an MRI and see a hand specialist. Surgery is a possibility.

"The definition of a sprain is a tear," trainer Mark Mann said. "It depends on how significant the tear is. ... But if it's a complete tear, he would need surgery."

By going on the DL, Larkin cannot play in the next 14 games. The Reds have only 34 left.

Larkin is in the final year of a three-year, $27 million contract. He could opt for retirement. There's also the possibility the Reds will choose not to re-sign him.

Larkin was not available for comment Saturday.

Larkin, 39, has played well - .282, two home runs, 18 RBI, 16 doubles, 39 runs in 70 games - but he continues to battle injuries.

He has been on the disabled list three times this year. Friday's game was the third he had played after missing a week with inflammation around the area where he had a sports hernia repaired two years ago.

Larkin has played his entire big-league career with the Reds.

Larkin and assistant general manager Brad Kullman had talks abut Larkin's future last week.

"We talked about a lot of things," Kullman said. "I relayed it to John Allen. Now, it's up to Barry, John Allen and Mr. (Carl) Lindner."