By Kevin Kelly
Enquirer staff reporter

Jack Riedling saw his son grow up to become more than a successful major league baseball player.

"He saw my wife and our son (Jackson) that will carry on his name," Reds relief pitcher John Riedling said. "That's what I thank the Lord for."

Riedling returned to the team Tuesday and was reinstated to the Reds 25-man roster after taking a leave following his father's death Aug. 2 in Pompano Beach, Fla.

"Sometimes I'd have a bad game and wouldn't really want to talk about baseball," Riedling said prior to Tuesday's game.

"He'd always make sure I was all right and tell me not to worry about it.

"He'll be watching over us and pulling for the Reds. He was a big Reds fan."

Manager Dave Miley hoped not to use Riedling, who last pitched Aug. 1, against the Dodgers on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.

"If he doesn't get in then he'll throw a little side down (in the bullpen) and be 100 percent ready to go (today)," Miley said.

THE CAPTAIN IS BACK: Shortstop Barry Larkin was back in the Reds starting lineup Tuesday, and hit a run-scoring double in the first inning.

Larkin, 40, was limited to three pinch-hit appearances - the most recent July 31 - after straining his left oblique muscle in a start against the Pirates on July 24.

"I'm confident I can make all the plays," Larkin said before correcting himself. "Confident I'm physically capable of making all the plays."

SETBACK FOR KEARNS: Reds right fielder Austin Kearns, who was on a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Louisville, is headed back to Cincinnati to have his right thumb examined by hand specialist Dr. Peter Stern.

Kearns was jammed by an pitch while batting against Charlotte on Tuesday. The impact created a blood blister under the spot where doctor's made an incision during a July 2 procedure to remove a bone spur and scar tissue from the base of Kearns' thumb.

ON THE MEND: If all continues to go smoothly, relief pitcher Mike Matthews could be headed out on a rehabilitation assignment soon.

The left-hander, who underwent surgery July 6 to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow, threw his third bullpen session since the procedure prior to Tuesday's game.

He is tentatively scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Friday, followed by a live batting practice.

THREE MORE YEARS: The Reds officially announced Tuesday that Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman has signed a three-year contract extension through 2007.

Brennaman is in his 31st season as a Reds radio broadcaster.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Three Reds players - left fielder Adam Dunn, first baseman Sean Casey and infielder Felipe Lopez - were nominated for the National League Player of the Week honors for Aug. 2-8. Giants pitcher Noah Lowry, who tossed a three-hit shutout against the Reds on Aug. 3, won the award Monday.

MINOR MATTER: In his third start for Triple-A Louisville, pitcher Luke Hudson allowed two runs on six hits over six innings in a 6-2 win against Charlotte on Monday.

Hudson, who struck out nine and walked two, improved to 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA.

SHOWING INITIATIVE: The Reds have donated 20,000 view level tickets to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati as part of the Commissioner's Initiative for Kids program.

Fans can purchase up to 20 tickets for a minimum donation of $1 for Reds games on Aug. 14-15, 24-27 and 29-31 at Great American Ball Park. Beginning today tickets can be purchased at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati administrative office at 600 Dalton Ave. from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.