PHILADELPHIA - Barry Larkin's teammates were not surprised when he did not play well for six weeks, because they knew his distress. They were not surprised by Larkin's last two weeks, because they know Barry Larkin.
"It goes to show you what kind of athlete he is," Lenny Harris said. "He's not letting anything stop him. There's not too many Barry Larkins in the game. He's still, I think, the best shortstop in the game, without a doubt.
"A couple of times they asked him to go on the disabled list, and he said, 'No way.' It goes to show you how bad he wanted to be out there. No matter what's going on with this ballclub, he's not letting him slow him up. He finds his way."
Larkin, whose swollen left bursa sac is riding against his Achilles' tendon and making everything sore, extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a 2-for-4 effort in the Reds' 3-2 victory over Philadelphia. He is Barry Larkin again, or at least close.
"I guess he's adapting to that problem," first baseman Hal Morris said. "Nothing he ever does surprises me. I've seen him do too many special things since I've been here."
Reggie's ankle
Reds right fielder Reggie Sanders, on the disabled list since that slide into second base on May 23 severely sprained his right ankle, could begin weight-bearing exercises within a week. He remains on crutches and in an immobilization boot.
Mike Kelly, who started eight games in right field since Sanders' injury, was benched Tuesday in favor of Eddie Taubensee. Taubensee, who made three earlier starts in left field, played right field for the first time in his career.
Groin issues
Left-hander John Smiley, whose sore groin was partly responsible for his poor start Sunday in Chicago, is almost sure to go to the disabled list today. He will be replaced on the roster with right-hander Brett Tomko, who will start Saturday's game at Cinergy Field against the New York Mets.
"We'll make that final determination (today)," Reds manager Ray Knight said, "but that's what we're leaning toward."
In his big-league debut, Tomko allowed five hits and two runs May 27 against the Phillies.
Smiley would be eligible to return from the disabled list on June 17.
Dollars or books?
J.D. Drew might get as much as $13 million when he signs with the Philadelphia Phillies. Knight received slightly less when he signed with the Reds in 1971.
All right, he received about $13 million less.
Knight's bonus, basically, was that the Reds would pay for his college education. Of course, you have to go to college to get a college education, and Knight didn't return to school after junior college.
"I'm sure I've got that (contract) somewhere," Knight said with a laugh. "That was 1970 dollars, so I imagine that's all done. And I've got enough to pay for college now, I guess."
Injury note
Closer Jeff Brantley, who had an encouraging day of rehabilitation work, said he might attempt to throw again Friday, and perhaps as early as Thursday.
REDS 3, PHILS 2
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