Cincinnati Reds Catcher Tucker Barnhart Gets His Chance
By Jesse Mapati
Baseball is a game of opportunity. And, Reds rookie catcher Tucker Barnhart is getting his chance.
While catcher Devin Mesoraco is on the disabled list, veteran Brayan Pena is getting the bulk of the playing time. Now, Barnhart, who earned his first career appearance on the Opening Day roster after a strong spring, will get his first start behind the plate on Thursday when right-hander Homer Bailey makes his season debut.
“Opening Day was a dream come true,” said Barnhart, who was a 10th-round pick in the 2009 first-year player draft. “To actually be on the field this afternoon
Mar 13, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart (68) runs to first base after an RBI single in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. The Reds won 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
will be awesome. I’m sure I’ll be a little more ramped up. Hopefully, I can get control of my emotions and play well. After the first inning or my first at bat, hopefully, it’ll be just another game.”
The Reds are deep at the catching position, even after trading Ryan Hanigan in the offseason. Veteran Corky Miller and Barnhart are the top minor-league backstops with Mesoraco and Pena likely to anchor the big-league roster throughout this season.
Barnhart batted .417 with two doubles in his last six appearances in the spring. But manager Bryan Price said Barnhart’s defensive ability is what earned him a roster spot. The Indianapolis native won the Rawlings minor league gold glove award in 2011.
“The priority with that position is that it’s a defensive position,” Price said on Monday. “We know that he can receive and throw and block pitches. He calls a good game. Our pitchers enjoy throwing to him. He’s ready defensively.”
Price said Barnhart still has much to learn, and the 23-year old realizes the clock is ticking on his first big-league stint. For now, Barnhart has bigger concerns. “Getting enough tickets for friends and family for Thursday,” he said.