The Reds' Barry Larkin, 39, says, "I know I'm in a transition period, and that's fine. I've accepted it already." -- David Kohl / Associated Press

CINCINNATI -- Barry Larkin knows that he's not going to be the Cincinnati Reds' starting shortstop much longer.

Another leg injury has put the Reds' captain back on the disabled list and reminded him that at age 39, it's time to expect a diminished role.

"I'm going through a transition period," Larkin said Thursday, after going on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained calf. "I think this just points out the obvious, that I'm not going to be out there playing every day.

"Truth be told, I didn't expect to be doing that after this year, anyway."

Larkin is in the final year of a three-year, $27 million deal. Nagging injuries have limited him all three years and prompted the Reds to trade for young shortstop Felipe Lopez in the off-season.

Manager Bob Boone planned to play Larkin five days a week during the season, giving Lopez a chance to develop slowly as the backup. More leg problems have scuttled the plan.

Larkin strained his left calf and went on the disabled list from April 15 to May 5. He returned and hit a game-ending homer on his first swing, the highlight of his season.

A few games later, he aggravated the left calf, knocking him out of the lineup temporarily. He strained the other calf Wednesday night while running the bases. Tests found no tear, but the Reds can't afford to keep carrying an injured infielder.

Larkin, Boone and general manager Jim Bowden met late Thursday afternoon and decided the disabled list was the best option. Doctors told Larkin he should be fully healed in two weeks.

"This is in Barry's best interest," Boone said. "If Barry wants to play in the future, he's got to show the world that he can still play. And when you're out there on one leg trying to do it, you're going to look like you can't play."

Larkin has spent his 17-year career with the Reds, who made him their first-round draft pick in 1985. When Ozzie Smith's career wound down, Larkin became the National League's premier shortstop, winning three Gold Gloves, nine Silver Slugger awards and was the 1995 league MVP.

He hasn't been the same since tearing groin muscles and developing a hernia that required surgery in 2001, limiting him to 45 games. He played in 145 games last year but hit only .245 because of a toe injury, strained rib cage muscles, spasms in his shoulder and neck, and a sore calf.

Larkin has intensified his conditioning drills to prolong his run as a starter but hasn't been able to avoid muscle injuries. Former Reds outfielder and coach Ken Griffey Sr. warned him years ago that he'd come to this point.

"I remember Mr. Griffey would tell me: You're going to be old one day," Larkin said. "You're going to get there one day, and all of the little things will catch up with you. That's what I'm going through now."

The Reds called up infielder Ryan Freel from Class Triple-A Louisville to take Larkin's place. Freel also filled in while Larkin was on the disabled list the first time.

Lopez will take over at shortstop, the position he's expected to get on an everyday basis next season. Larkin expects to share the position with Lopez when he returns from the disabled list.

"I know I'm in a transition period, and that's fine," Larkin said. "I've accepted it already. I'm definitely not in the mode of going out there and trying to play seven days a week. It's just something that I've had to accept, and I have."

Larkin, who grew up in Cincinnati, would like to stay with the Reds in a reserve role next season. The series of injuries has made him wonder whether he should just retire.

"There's been plenty of times when I've asked myself that question," Larkin said.

"The day when I say I don't want to go through the rehab, that's the day I stop playing. I haven't gotten there yet."