BY TIM BROWN
The Cincinnati Enquirer

On a club intent on allowing its younger players to prove themselves or fail trying, Terry Pendleton has 27 at-bats for the Reds.

Pendleton, 37, has one start in the past 10 days, and in that start he was double-switched out in the third inning.

Pendleton clearly has not recovered from his lack of spring training. Four minor-league rehabilitation starts might have been enough to heal his arthroscopically repaired right knee, but were not sufficient to bring back his swing.

He has five hits and four strikeouts in those 27 at-bats, and is 1-for-6 as a pinch-hitter, including his double to lead off the eighth inning Thursday.

Larkin goes lighter

Back in the lineup Thursday after another day off to rest his sore left heel, Barry Larkin has gone to a 31-ounce bat, four ounces lighter than the model he used last season and at the start of this season.

Larkin finds the lighter bat easier to control.

Talk of expansion

General Manager Jim Bowden and manager Ray Knight met for about 90 minutes before Thursday's game against the Dodgers. Knight said the conversation was about November's expansion draft.

"Nothing major's happening," Knight said.

Staying with 10

The Reds still intend to add an 11th pitcher to their staff, though with the majority of their starters pitching into the later innings, don't feel the urgency they once did. A possible trade, and injuries to Larkin and Hal Morris, have caused the Reds to delay the move.

Brantley progress

Reds closer Jeff Brantley corrected a flaw in his mechanics Thursday, and threw on the side with his typical velocity and control.

Brantley has a 1-1 record and a 4.82 ERA, along with an alarming seven walks in 10 2/3 innings. He pitched a flawless eighth inning Thursday night. He has one save in three opportunities.

Burba won't miss start

Right-hander Dave Burba said there was no improvement in the pain he felt around his stomach, but that it should not keep him from his next start, Sunday against the San Diego Padres.

Spring fling

Peter Schneider, deputy city manager of Sarasota, Fla., said that to his knowledge the Reds are the only organization negotiating with the Chicago White Sox to lease their spring complex. The Reds, he said, have agreed to notify Plant City, Fla., officials of their intentions by July 1.

Carrara returns

The Reds signed right-hander Giovanni Carrara to a minor-league contract. He will meet Triple-A Indianapolis today in Buffalo.

To the cause

As part of Thursday's ceremony to retire the number of Jackie Robinson, the Reds donated $2,500 to the Chuck Harmon Fund.

DODGERS 2, REDS 1
REDS EASE STANCE ON 'WEDGE' STADIUM SITE
NO. 42 SALUTED AT CINERGY
MAESTROS PITCH FIGHT SONG
PHOTO PAGE
BOX, RUNS
REDS PAGE
USA TODAY BASEBALL PAGE