Griffey expected to return this weekend

The Cincinnati Reds have posted a 23-15 record without Ken Griffey Jr. in the lineup. AP

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Ken Griffey Jr. looked so smooth while catching fly balls Tuesday that the Cincinnati Reds projected he could be back in the lineup this weekend.

Griffey tore the patella tendon in his right knee on April 7 and has been confined to batting practice and therapy.

He caught fly balls Tuesday for the first time since the injury and had no problems. A coach hit balls from side to side, and Griffey even ran one down in the gap on the warning track.

"I was very impressed by the way he moved in the outfield, the way he's swinging the bat, the way he's throwing," general manger Jim Bowden said. "I'm very encouraged and optimistic that he'll be able to be activated sometime this weekend in Atlanta."

It's the first time that the Reds have set a target for his return. Following a three-game series against Florida at Cinergy Field, the Reds play three games in Atlanta, followed by a series in Florida.

The Reds are being extremely cautious with Griffey, who was hobbled most of last season by a torn hamstring. They don't want him to return and reinjure the knee.

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He didn't run at full speed during his workout Tuesday, but was able to smoothly chase fly balls and throw to third base from deep in center field. He was noncommittal about whether he felt ready to play, deferring to the team.

"I really can't answer that until I go out and play," he said. "We'll see in the next couple of days what happens. We'll see how I feel tomorrow and take it from there."

During Griffey's absence, the Reds have had one of the most productive outfields in the majors - Austin Kearns, Juan Encarnacion and Adam Dunn. Dunn also has filled in at first base for Sean Casey.

When Griffey returns, the Reds will split time for those five players among the four positions.

Having the extra player will allow manager Bob Boone to go slow with Griffey, much as he has done with shortstop Barry Larkin. Larkin missed most of last season with torn groin muscles and a hernia.

"It's going to allow you to baby Junior a little bit," Boone said. "The two guys I'm a little concerned with are Junior and Larkin. They're big factors on this ballclub and two guys that were injured last year. This gives you the leeway to do that.

"It will be a real nice situation for us. I'm looking forward to it. I think we'll just get better."

 

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