Reds target Friday to activate Mesoraco

MILWAUKEE -- Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco is expected to complete the 20th and final day of his rehab assignment with Double-A Pensacola on Tuesday and be activated on Friday for the club's next series vs. the Cardinals at St. Louis.
There had been discussion of having Mesoraco up for the series vs. the Brewers. He has been working his way back from right hip and left shoulder surgeries since last summer. Mesoraco's last Major League appearance was last season on April 27.
"Unless there is a need here, I would really like him to get the at-bats that he'll get the next couple of days in Pensacola," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "I think he's done all the work necessary to feel comfortable behind the plate and have the stamina necessary to catch two or three days in a row. Now it's a matter of getting comfortable at the plate. I think we're headed in the right direction with that."
Mesoraco entered Monday batting .175 (7-for-40) during his rehab assignment. He was 1-for-4 with a double and a walk as the designated hitter on Sunday.
When Mesoraco does return, he will split time behind the plate with Tucker Barnhart, but it does create a roster question for current backup catcher and Rule 5 pick, Stuart Turner. If the Reds don't keep Turner on the 25-man roster the entire season, he would likely be sent back to the Twins.
Cincinnati could also keep Turner as a third catcher on a five-man bench. The rookie has no idea what will happen when Mesoraco returns.
"I obviously can't worry about what's going to happen or what may happen. It will clog your brain," Turner said. "I hope to continue to be part of this system, whether it's here or Triple-A or whatever happens. If I am the third catcher, it will take a lot more preparation and work on the non-playing side just to be ready when your name is called."