Mesoraco, Broxton close to returning

NEW YORK -- Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (strained left oblique) was 0-for-2 with a strikeout in his third and final rehab assignment game on a rainy Saturday for Double-A Pensacola.

"They took him out early after [five] innings because of the weather," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "They were a little bit concerned with him being so close to returning that he could be injured on the field, so they took him out."

Mesoraco could be activated on Monday from the disabled list. The Reds will be opening a three-game series vs. the Cardinals.

"It appears that he will meet us in St. Louis," Price said. "That's the protocol we originally established so I anticipate seeing him [Monday.]"

With Mesoraco catching, Reds reliever Jonathan Broxton (right forearm) started for Pensacola the second day in a row. Broxton threw one perfect inning on 14 pitches.

"It went fine. We anticipate that he's in good health," Price said.

Broxton is also expected to rejoin the Reds at St. Louis.