The Reds are in a bit of a sticky situation because they don’t want to lose Stuart Turner, their current backup catcher, but also would like to continue carrying an extra reliever or two.
Tucker Barnhart has been the No. 1 catcher in Mesoraco’s absence and is expected to continue catching regularly as Mesoraco works his way back into every-day playing shape.
Turner is a Rule 5 draft pick, meaning he has to remain with the major-league club or be offered back to the Minnesota Twins, his former club.
Manager Bryan Price indicated he continues to see carrying an extra pitcher as a necessity because his rotation has consistently turned in abbreviated outings this season.
On the bright side, Mesoraco offers a big bat off the bench when he is not starting, and the presence of another catcher on the active roster means Price can feel more comfortable pinch-hitting with him than he might otherwise.
Mesoraco, an All-Star in 2014, has been out nearly a year as he recovers from shoulder and hip surgeries.
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