Devin Mesoraco Makes Rehab Start

Apr 25, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (39) limps across home plate to score a run against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Reds starting catcher Devin Mesoraco made a rehab appearance Tuesday night with the Reds Triple A affiliate Louisville Riverbats in Norfolk. Mesoraco is making his first rehab start since being placed on the disabled list last month following a strained hamstring.

Mesoraco was on fire before being placed on the DL, batting .468 over 13 games so far this season for the Reds. Mesoraco had been on fire before straining his hamstring running to home plate April 25th against the Atlanta Braves. The Reds have been cautious with Mesoraco, however he will only be making one rehab start it appears.

Last Sunday was the end of Mesoraco’s stint on the DL. He can return to the club whenever the Reds feel he is ready. Manager Bryan Price has said the plan is to have Mesoraco rejoin the big club this Friday when the Reds travel to Philadelphia to face the Phillies in a weekend series.

As for the rehab start Mesoraco got back to his hitting ways going 2-3 Tuesday night in Norfolk. A 2 hit game produced one run and one RBI with one strike out on the night. By all accounts this was a very successful return to the diamond for Mesoraco.

When Mesoraco returns this weekend back up catcher Tucker Barnhart will be optioned back to Triple A. Barnhart has stepped into the back up role better than anyone, the young man from Indiana has done everything asked of him and then some.

Brayan Pena will return to his back up role when Mesoraco returns. Pena has been hot lately as well, it will be interesting to see how Price handles two successful catchers.