Devin Mesoraco Update

Mar 10, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (39) during an at bat in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco,who strained his left oblique last Wednesday, in a spring that has seen every Reds player either banged up or hurt. Mesoraco took 30 swings on Monday and 50 more Tuesday without any major issues.

“Thirty off the tee and 20 from soft toss,” Mesoraco said. “I want to say I was swinging around 75 percent of what I normally do. It’s probably better than the 120 percent I usually swing. Everything felt good. I think it was a good step. I want to say there’s still a bit of tiredness or weakness in that area, but it’s not as isolated as what it was, and it’s definitely not a pulling or pain thing. We’ve worked it pretty hard, so it’s a little worn out.”

It is not clear whether Mesoraco can avoid the disabled list to begin the season. He has not played a game since March 17, and with the number of players on the DL to start the season, the team can’t afford another one to list.

“We’re getting down to it here, and we’re pretty close, we’ll see,” Mesoraco said. “It’s going to be close either way. It’s getting better. That’s all I’m concerned with now. It’s a lot of steps in the right direction.”

Reds manager Bryan Price said that if Mesoraco could play any games this week, they would be on the Minor League fields in Arizona. If he played in the scheduled exhibitions the Reds have this weekend at Pensacola and Louisville, the club would not be able to backdate the start of a stint on the DL.

“We certainly hope then maybe in that last three days of games we’ll get a look at him in-game situations,” Price said. “Then, if not, we have to contemplate our alternatives to start the season.”

Brayan Pena, who signed with team in the offseason, would become the starting catcher if Mesoraco, projected to fill that role, can’t play. Price also said prospect Tucker Barnhart could be recalled from Triple-A Louisville. Barnhart is on the 40-man roster.

“That’s definitely an option,” Price said. “What we’re really trying to do is and I think Walt been great about it, is to start the season with our best 25-man squad, knowing that along the way that would mean adding several non-roster players to the club and risk losing some players off our 40-man roster that we would have to take off.”

We’ll keep you updated on the latest with Mesorsco and other injured players.