CINCINNATI (AP) - Third baseman Brandon Larson decided not to cut his ties with the Cincinnati Reds, accepting a demotion to the minor leagues on Wednesday.

Larson had the option of refusing the assignment to Triple-A Louisville and becoming a free agent, but went along with the move. It's probably only a matter of time before the Reds cut him loose.

Cincinnati designated him for assignment on Monday to open a roster spot, an indication the Reds had given up on the injury-prone infielder.

Larson, 28, has been on the disabled list three times this season, missing 80 games. He hit only .212 in 40 games, including 33 starts.

He was the Reds' first-round draft pick in 1997. His career has been repeatedly sidetracked by a series of injuries, and he failed to take advantage of opportunities to win the job at third base in each of the last two seasons.