By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHILADELPHIA - Reds fans probably have seen the last of veteran Barry Larkin on the field this season.

The big question remains whether the shortstop will be back in a Reds uniform in 2004. Larkin is on the disabled list with a sprained ligament in his left ring finger, and he will be examined Monday in Cincinnati.

Mark Mann, the Reds' head trainer, said there is a "very good chance" that Larkin's season is over.

"Barry is progressing, but he still tends to get persistent soreness from daily life activities," Mann said.

Outfielder Adam Dunn (sprained left thumb) and pitchers Jose Acevedo (sprained left ankle) and John Bale (strained right hamstring) will not play again this season.

Larkin's status with the team is uncertain because his three-year, $27 million contract expires at the end of this season.

The 39-year-old has been on the disabled list three times this season, limiting him to 70 games. He has a .282 batting average with two homers and 18 RBI.

A report published Friday, which cited multiple anonymous sources, indicated that front-office officials were leaning toward not offering the 11-time All-Star a contract to play next season.

Chief operating officer John Allen issued a "no comment" through the team's director of media relations. Assistant general manager Brad Kullman also declined comment on the subject.

Kullman has had one meeting with Larkin about the future since general manager Jim Bowden was fired July 28.