Reds notebook
Wilson return remains on hold
By John Erardi
Enquirer staff writer
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LOPEZ LISTENS: Reds shortstop Felipe Lopez went 2-for-5 Sunday to raise his batting average to .301.
He has started the last 17 games, and has hit safely in 14 of them. In that stretch, he is 23-for-73 with 10 doubles, three homers and 11 RBI. He has started at shortstop in all 11 games since Rich Aurilia went on the disabled list.
Lopez said he is still applying the lessons learned from mentor Barry Larkin, the ex-Reds star shortstop who now works for the Nationals.
"The big thing Barry taught me was (to) be confident, play hard, don't make excuses. At the end of the day, be able to look in the mirror and say, 'I gave it my all. I did my job,' " Lopez said. "I can still hear that voice telling me things."
Lopez said Larkin was a leader, but there are other Reds who have filled that void, saying what needs to be said. But Larkin had a "presence" that any team would miss.