Reds Unsure of Larkin’s Availability

Shortstop Barry Larkin was bothered by his groin during practice Tuesday, leaving the Cincinnati Reds unsure of when he’ll play again.

Larkin, 37, tore his groin last season and had surgery to repair a hernia. The groin began bothering him at training camp, prompting Manager Bob Boone to keep him out of games as a precaution. He hasn’t played since Thursday.

Doctors believe Larkin is bothered by the mesh used to repair the hernia.

“He took ground balls and swung the bat real well, but he felt it a little bit,” Boone said.

Steve Gromek, who won 123 games in a 17-year major league career and helped Cleveland win the 1948 World Series, died March 12 of complications from diabetes, his wife Jeanette said. He was 82.

Baltimore designated hitter David Segui and center fielder Chris Singleton could be held out of games for the rest of spring training because of sore Achilles’ tendons, but the Orioles expect they’ll be ready by opening day.

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New York Yankee outfielder Rondell White could make his first appearance of the exhibition season early next week. White has not played this spring after straining his left rib cage Feb. 25.