By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - Coming into spring training, general manager Dan O'Brien had pitcher D.J. Mattox as one of the favorites to win the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation.

That has to be a longshot at best now.

Catcher Jason LaRue hit a two-run homer in the first inning Sunday. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Mattox, a Rule 5 Draft pick from the New York Mets, was re-evaluated by Dr. Tim Kremchek Sunday and was not cleared to throw.

Mattox, a 23-year-old right-hander, has been dealing with a sore elbow since the beginning of spring training.

"He still has a little soreness," trainer Mark Mann said. "We're going to keep him out a couple of days before we have him throwing from 90 feet again."

Because Mattox is a Rule 5 pick, the Reds must keep him on the 25-man roster all year or offer him back to the Mets for $25,000 - half the fee they paid to claim him.

Mattox is strictly a starter, so the chance of him being ready for the start of the season is slim.

"I wouldn't think so," pitching coach Don Gullett said. "But we still have better than three weeks. We'll see how he progresses."

O'Brien admits that timetable is working against Mattox, but the club won't make a move in the near future.

"We're going to let this thing play out," O'Brien said. "We'll keep treating him. We're committed to getting him healthy. This isn't a serious problem, but you don't want to rush him."

Gullett has only seen Mattox throw off the mound once. That was Feb. 19, the first day pitchers and catchers worked out.

Mattox is trying to make the jump from Double-A to the majors. He was 8-7 with a 3.49 ERA at Binghamton last year.

The Reds could start the year with Mattox on the disabled list.

LOPEZ IN: Felipe Lopez was re-evaluated by Kremchek Sunday as well. He was cleared to play and spelled Barry Larkin at shortstop in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins.

Lopez was fine physically, but it was a game he'd rather forget.

Lopez was charged with two errors and went 0-for-4 at the plate.

"It felt good to be out there," he said, "But it was weird. I was nervous."

It was the latest step in Lopez's remarkable recovery from a career-threatening ankle injury suffered in Triple-A on July 25.

"That's a tribute to him," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "He came a long way to get back out there."

ROAD WARRIOR: Adam Dunn was not in Sunday's lineup.

"We're at home, aren't we?" Dunn said.

Dunn has been on the traveling squad. Dunn has played in three games this spring - all on the road.

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com