Reds’ Larkin Strains His Left Calf

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, bothered since spring training by a left heel injury, strained his left calf Monday night against the Indians at Cleveland and left the game.

Larkin pulled up limping after leading off the second inning with a double against Orel Hershiser in the first regular season game between the Ohio teams. He winced as he rounded first, limped into second base and was carried off the field.

Rookie Pokey Reese pinch-ran for Larkin and replaced him at shortstop.

Larkin, an eight-time National League all-star, missed 14 games in spring training with a swollen left heel. He has missed 10 regular-season games with heel and neck injuries.

After a cortisone shot May 14, Larkin hit safely in 15 of 17 games and was named NL player of the week. He is batting .317 with four homers and 18 runs batted in.

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New York Met center fielder Lance Johnson was activated before Monday night’s historic Subway Series opener against the New York Yankees and was in the starting lineup batting leadoff.

Johnson, sidelined since May 2 because of shin splints, worked out at Shea Stadium on Monday afternoon before advising the team he could play.

“I told them that I’m ready to go,” Johnson said.

Johnson had expected to be activated for last weekend’s series against Boston, but pushed his return back when wet conditions Friday prevented him from running and testing his shins.

He was hitless in five at-bats Monday.