ST. LOUIS (AP) – Ken Griffey Jr. grounded out as a pinch-hitter Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, his first game since he dislocated his right shoulder in April.

Griffey was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day. He pinch-hit for Paul Wilson in the seventh inning, and did not play in the field.

Before the game, Reds manager Bob Boone said Griffey would start either Wednesday night or Thursday, but not both games.

The 33-year-old Griffey was hurt while trying to make a diving catch April 5 against the Chicago Cubs. He resumed taking batting practice last week, and was activated in time for the start of the three-game series against the Cardinals.

“It was going to happen sooner or later,” Griffey said. “You’re always glad when it’s sooner rather than later.”

All three of the Reds’ outfielders have been playing well in Griffey’s absence, and Jose Guillen, batting .312 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs, will become the odd man out for now. “But he will play a lot,” Boone said.

Griffey said he was ready to go, although he wasn’t 100 percent.

“Have you ever dislocated your shoulder?” Griffey asked a reporter. “But I’ve got full range of motion and pretty good strength.”

The New York Yankees’ Derek Jeter also returned from a dislocated shoulder Tuesday night, starting at shortstop and going 1-for-4 in a 10-3 loss to Anaheim.

The Reds designated outfielder Ruben Mateo for assignment to make room for Griffey. Mateo hit .200 in 22 games, including 11 starts. The Reds have 10 days to trade Mateo, send him outright to the minor leagues or place him on waivers for the purpose of his unconditional release.

Griffey came to the Reds in a February 2000 trade with a history of durability and consistency.

His only major injury in 11 years with the Seattle Mariners was a broken wrist from running into an outfield wall in 1995.

No matter how hard he’s tried, Griffey hasn’t been able to stay healthy with his hometown team. Injuries have limited him to 71 homers in three-plus seasons.

He pulled a hamstring during his first season with the Reds and was forced to run carefully. He tore the same hamstring while rounding third base in a spring training game in 2001, causing him to miss opening day for the first time in his career. Griffey also missed out on the All-Star game for the first time since he was a rookie in 1989.

Last year he made it through spring training without a problem, then tore a tendon in his right knee during a rundown in the sixth game of the season.

The injuries inspired him to work hard over the winter to strengthen his legs, stay healthy and prove he’s still one of baseball’s best. He hit six homers in spring training and seemed poised for a throwback season.

Five games and 19 at-bats into this season, he was hurt again. He’s been told to take it easy in the outfield, but said that’s easier said than done.

“I’ve never had much time to think about ‘Should I dive, shouldn’t I dive?”‘ Griffey said. “I just go. I just need to work on my landing.”

He added that he doesn’t often slide headfirst anyway.

“I can count how many times on my hands I’ve slid into a base headfirst,” Griffey said. “I’m afraid of getting stepped on. My dad has always said you go headfirst into a shin guard, it isn’t fun.”

AP-ES-05-13-03 2233EDT