Mesoraco needs day away for family reasons

MILWAUKEE -- Catcher Devin Mesoraco, who has missed the last six games with a left hip impingement, was not with the Reds on Monday for the start of a four-game set against the Brewers.

Manager Bryan Price confirmed prior to the game that Mesoraco was home for family reasons and would return Tuesday. Brayan Pena took his spot in the lineup, batting sixth behind left fielder Marlon Byrd.

Tucker Barnhart, called up Friday, will serve as the backup catcher. While discussing the situation, Price expressed his displeasure at the reporting of Mesoraco's availability following a 2-1 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday night, as well as the handling of Barnhart's promotion to the big leagues on Friday.

Barnhart just happened to be on the same airplane as a beat reporter for the Reds, who then tweeted out the information prior to the Reds having an opportunity to tell catcher Kyle Skipworth that he was to be optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

"I think we owe that kid the right to be called and told he's going to be sent down as opposed to reading that Tucker Barnhart's on his way in from Louisville," Price said. "I don't get it. I don't get why it's got to be this way."