PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Ken Griffey Jr., one homer shy of 600, returned to the starting lineup Thursday for the Cincinnati Reds for the first time in four games.

The 38-year-old outfielder didn't start the previous three games against the Philadelphia Phillies because of general soreness, including a bothersome left knee.

Griffey walked as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning in each of the last two games and pitcher Bronson Arroyo ran for him both times. Fans booed the walks, but cheered when Junior's name was announced before the game.

Griffey entered 0-for-2 with a walk and two strikeouts against Phillies ace Cole Hamels.

The only other players to hit 600 homers are Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa.

Griffey hit No. 599 against Atlanta on Saturday, but missed a chance to reach the milestone in front of his hometown fans.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.