Austin Kearns, batting .224, was sent down to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday. He hasn't started since June 5 after losing his spot in right field to Wily Mo Pena. Cincinnati also placed catcher Jason LaRue on the bereavement list. LaRue returned to his home in Texas to attend the funeral of his grandfather. He won't be eligible to play until Wednesday. Kearns was in a 3-for-36 slump and has hit just .176 with runners in scoring position this season. He had six homers and 25 RBI in 51 games.