By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Catcher Jason LaRue and right fielder Austin Kearns aren't the only Reds players about to embark on a rehabilitation assignment.

Team doctors and trainers will examine outfielder/infielder John Vander Wal today, general manager Dan O'Brien said Sunday. If all goes as planned he will fly to Sarasota, Fla., on Tuesday and begin the next phase of his rehabilitation from Jan. 27 knee surgery at extended spring training.

Vander Wal tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while shoveling snow at his Grand Rapids, Mich., home.

"Obviously he, as well as our training staff, particularly (assistant trainer) Tim Elser, deserve a lot of credit," O'Brien said. "What he has accomplished to date is well ahead of schedule."

The Reds have mapped out a detailed plan for Vander Wal while he's at extended spring training.

Vander Wal will start out as a designated hitter and gradually build his innings played.

Once that is achieved he will play first base, again working up to nine innings, before going to the outfield where he will switch between left field and right field.

"Assuming he handles all those challenges," O'Brien said, "the next step would be, at an undetermined date, he goes to (Class-AAA) Louisville."

Considered one of the game's best pinch-hitters, Vander Wal will be a welcome addition to the Reds' bench once his rehabilitation is complete.

The 38-year-old, who bats left-handed and began taking fly balls with the Reds last week, ranks in the top five in hits (125), homers (17) and at-bats (506) among the all-time pinch-hit leaders.

The Reds signed Vander Wal to a one-year, $700,000 contract Jan. 12. They released him during spring training and immediately re-signed him to a minor-league contract.

"He's been really intent not only on playing this year, but trying to come back and play before the All-Star break," Reds head trainer Mark Mann said. "He's definitely put the time, work and effort in to do that."