By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - Brandon Larson is considering body armor. Bubble wrap or a space suit might also be appropriate.

Because, as the song goes, if it weren't for bad luck, Larson would have no luck at all.

Ryan Freel has played well at third in Larson's stead. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Consider: For the first time in 19 days, Larson played in a live game Tuesday. In between innings, he was in the bullpen getting a look at some live pitches.

"I got smoked on the wrist," he said.

The ball left a knot on Larson's left wrist and ended his outing after two at-bats and three innings.

"It's all right," he said.

But the Reds had decided even before the pitch hit Larson that he would begin the season on the disabled list. He was placed on the DL retroactive to March 26 and is eligible to come off April 10.

"I think that makes the most sense," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said. "That gives him a chance to get healthy. And, secondly, it gives him a chance to get some at-bats."

Larson will continue to play in minor-league games until camp breaks. He'll return to Cincinnati with the team and work out until the Triple-A season begins at Louisville, where he'll go on a rehabilitation stint.

"It's the best thing for him and the team," Reds manager Dave Miley said.

Larson wasn't pleased with the plan, but he understood.

"I'd like to open against Chicago (on Opening Day)," he said. "But I'm in agreement with what they want. I need to get some at-bats."

Before Tuesday, Larson had not played since March 10, when he suffered a turf-toe injury.

Little did he know that the injury would keep him out the bulk of the spring. "I thought it would be four or five days," he said.

Larson was having a great spring when the injury occurred. He was hitting .462 with two home runs and eight RBI in 13 at-bats.

The plan, before Larson got hit on the wrist Tuesday, was to have him play five innings Tuesday, seven Wednesday and nine Thursday.

"I think by gradually increasing my playing time I could get ready for Opening Day," he said.

But given Larson's previous struggles - he hit .101 in 89 at-bats last year - the Reds don't want to add pressure by rushing him.

The other factor is that Ryan Freel has played well at third in Larson's stead. Freel is hitting .333 with a .467 on-base percentage this spring. He went into Tuesday leading the National League with 14 walks and tied for first in stolen bases with six this spring.

Miley would not commit to Freel starting on Opening Day, but that's clearly how he's leaning.

Larson was penciled in to hit seventh. Miley could put Freel there, but he is also the club's best leadoff man.

"(Hitting him leadoff) is something we'll look at," Miley said. "But Ryan is a guy who can handle the bat and hit just about anywhere other than fourth."