By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Chalk one up for the state-of-the-art training facilities at Great American Ball Park.

Barry Larkin credits Swimex, an aquatic trainer, with his quick recovery from an abdominal strain.

The hydrotherapy room adjacent to the Reds clubhouse at Great American Ball Park helped Larkin get back in the lineup quickly. (Michael E. Keating photo)

"That helped me tremendously," he said. "Without it, I don't think I'd be back so quickly."

Larkin was back in the starting lineup at shortstop and batting second Tuesday night when the Reds opened their three-game series with the Texas Rangers.

Larkin had missed five games with the strain. The Reds played with 24 players in the each of those games.

Larkin was OK with staying back in Cincinnati because of the Swimex. The device allows a player to run in water at various depths. A current is generated to create resistance.

"I couldn't have done that on the road," he said.

Larkin is the first of a number of players the Reds could get back over the next few days.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Tuesday's game

D'Angelo Jimenez, who missed two starts with a strained oblique muscle, worked out Tuesday.

"It's a lot better," Jimenez said.

There's a chance he could return today.

The Reds also are close to getting three other players back.

Juan Castro (strained rib cage muscle) is eligible to come off the disabled list today. Aaron Harang (sore right elbow) and Austin Kearns (sore thumb) are eligible to come off Thursday.

All three passed tests of fitness Tuesday. Castro and Kearns took batting practice without problems. Harang threw a bullpen session.

"We could have a move after (Tuesday's) game," Reds manager Dave Miley said.

If not, a move probably will come before tonight's game.

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com