3:24pm: It appears Mesoraco has dodged a major injury, as multiple people have told Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer that his latest shoulder issue is neither serious nor related to last year’s surgery (Twitter links).
3:19pm: The Reds have placed catcher Devin Mesoraco on the 10-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain. His roster spot will go to right-hander Ariel Hernandez, whom the Reds recalled from Triple-A Louisville.
[RELATED: Updated Reds Depth Chart]
At 36-47, the Reds are well out of the playoff hunt, meaning Mesoraco’s loss isn’t a blow to their chances to contend. The injury itself could be worrisome, though, considering Mesoraco missed nearly all of last season with a torn labrum in the same shoulder. Mesoraco had surgery on that shoulder in May 2016, ending his season, and then underwent a procedure on his hip in July. As a result, he didn’t debut this year until the end of April.
Mesoraco missed most of the 2015 campaign with hip problems, so the 129 plate appearances the offense-first backstop has racked up this year are already more than the 106 he combined for from 2015-16. Prior to landing on the DL, the 29-year-old was in the midst of an encouraging season, as he has slashed a solid .234/.333/.459 with six home runs.
Now, with over $3MM left on his contract this year and another $13MM on the way in 2018, the Reds are left to hope Mesoraco hasn’t suffered yet another serious injury. In the meantime, they’ll turn to Tucker Barnhart and Stuart Turner as their top two catchers.
Injured again, surprise.
He could just need a long rest while the reds need another arm for this road trip. Seems like it favors what the reds need right now. Another pitcher, not 3 catchers. If Turner had a hangnail, they could have put him on the DL instead.
Exactly
Was not a scrub for exactly one year and got $30M out of it. Give his agent a hand.
He was once a top prospect, so they knew he had the potential. He was also 26 and hadn’t yet entered his prime. Had he stayed healthy, it’s likely the $30M contract would look like a huge bargain right now.
Exactly!
Sadly, with his injuries, that likely was his prime.
Surprise…
Sports news shocker. Meseroco gets injured again. Reminds me of the State Farm commercial when the old fisherman says “ewww….you almost made it”….to the all-star break without going on the DL.
Haha he started the year on the dl….
Read it quickly. Thought it said Red Sox place Devin Marerro on DL. Was going to see who was playing third for their A-ball team.
He’s on the DL!?!?!?!?! Tell me it isn’t so! next thing you know Homer Bailey is going on the DL!!!
Homer will end up after one more start then go fishing and horseback riding.
Not till after he throws his third no hitter. He’ll blow out his shoulder in the celebration pile and spend the rest of his contract coming back from that…then will sign with the Cardinals and win multiple cy young awards.