Larkin’s Season Ending With Surgery

Shortstop Barry Larkin is scheduled to have surgery on his left heel on Sept. 3, ending an injury-marred season for the Cincinnati Reds team captain.

Larkin has been bothered since spring training by problems with his heel, calf and Achilles’ tendon. He has batted .325 in 66 games with four home runs and 20 RBIs, but has been limited to starting 63 games.

He had hoped to finish the season and then have surgery, but the problem is getting worse.

“I can’t do it anymore,� Larkin said Wednesday.

Doctors will clean out the heel and remove a piece of bone that has caused irritation.

He is expected to be at full strength next season.

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The Colorado Rockies released pitcher Bill Swift to create a roster spot for newly acquired right-hander Pedro Astacio.

Swift, 35, a right-hander with a history of injuries, was signed as a free agent from San Francisco in 1995, but has been on the disabled list five times since joining the Rockies.

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St. Louis first baseman John Mabry was to undergo season-ending surgery, a day after sustaining a fractured jaw during batting practice.

Mabry was standing along the left-field line as the Cardinals waited for the Montreal Expos to finish hitting Tuesday and was struck on the right side of his face by a line drive hit by Mark Grudzielanek.

Mabry appeared in 115 games with St. Louis, hitting .284 with five homers and 36 RBIs. His playing time, however, was cut when the Cardinals acquired slugging first baseman Mark McGwire from the Oakland Athletics on July 31.