GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A few days into Spring Training and all seems to be fine thus far with Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco and his surgically repaired left hip. Mesoraco hasn't been held back yet from drills or activity, and he has been rotated in and out of catching bullpen sessions.
The workload, which has been directed by head athletic trainer Steve Baumann and catching coordinator Mike Stefanski, will soon change, however.
"As much as he looks like he's on the same schedule as the other guys, as that pace picks up, we'll probably still be slowing him down a bit," Reds manager Bryan Price said on Sunday. "We're going to pump the brakes on Devin a bit and ease him back in."
Mesoraco missed most of the 2015 season and had surgery on June 29 to repair a torn labrum in his hip. He has recovered and rehabilitated without incident or setbacks. As exhibition games begin March 1, Mesoraco will likely see less time on the front end of the schedule.
"I don't think it's a continued rehab as much as it is getting him into shape a slower pace than you would for a guy who's not coming off a hip surgery," Price said.
Worth noting
Reds pitcher Homer Bailey, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, showed no ill effects Sunday following his 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday.
"He's great. He felt fine," Price said.
Bailey is projected to return to the Reds in May, and fans should expect an initially cautious approach to his innings total and pitch limits.
"But as he builds up strength and we get to see what he's all about, we'll make a decision on pitches and innings and workload," Price said.