The Giants played on a toasty Midwest afternoon in the middle contest of their three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. That came on the heels of last night's game when Bonds moved within four homers of tying Hank Aaron's record with a two-run shot in the first inning off Aaron Harang. Tomorrow's series finale is a night game, giving Bonds adequate time to recover.

San Francisco skipper Bruce Bochy had said Bonds might play all three games in Great American Ball Park if the slugger felt fine, but the two chatted this morning and Bonds reported that his legs were bothering him.

"I'm alive," Bonds said, getting ready at his locker before heading out to the field to see Ken Griffey Jr., whose three children were taking batting practice with other Reds' kids.

When asked if it was his decision to sit out, Bonds said curtly, "Does it matter?"

Bochy and Bonds are trying to avoid further problems that could cause Bonds to miss more time. He sat out two games at Arizona last month with shin splints. As long as the seven-time NL MVP feels OK, Bochy said he likely would play the final four games of the club's road trip — including a three-game weekend series in St. Louis.

Bonds, who was available to pinch hit today, is set to start in left field for the National League in the All-Star game next Tuesday in San Francisco — meaning that getting much rest during the All-Star break won't happen.