Cincinnati ? Ken Griffey Jr. will remain out of the Reds’ lineup until at least next week as he recovers from an injured knee.

“We’re being cautious here,” Cincinnati medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek said. “We don’t want him to come back too soon.”

Sunday will mark six weeks since Griffey tore the patella tendon in his right knee as he tried to change directions during a rundown on April 7. He went on the disabled list and has been working with a physical therapist.

The Reds initially said Griffey would be out 3-6 weeks and had hoped to have him back in the lineup for this weekend’s series in St. Louis. Now, the earliest that he would be activated would be the three-game home series with the Florida Marlins opening Tuesday. But that, too, is uncertain.

“I’m going to re-evaluate him this weekend,” Kremchek said. “Then we’ll sit down together and see what we feel is best.”

The first-place Reds don’t have to rush Griffey back into action because their other outfielders have been productive. Austin Kearns, who is in the lineup because Griffey is out, entered Wednesday’s game batting .375 with five home runs and 14 RBIs.

Griffey has increased his activities during recent days, but when he returns will be Kremchek’s call.

“He’s running, jumping, making quick stops and starts,” Kremchek said. “He’s doing all those things pretty well.

But, Kremchek said: “He’s not quite ready to go out and play center field most every day.”