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Mesoraco returns to Reds lineup, homers in first AB

PHILADELPHIA -- Following a three-game Minor League rehab assignment, Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was activated from the disabled list on Friday. Mesoraco, who played for Triple-A Louisville at Norfolk, arrived late in the afternoon to join the club at Citizens Bank Park.

To make room for Mesoraco, pitcher Jeff Francis was designated for assignment. Francis started Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader vs. the Padres and allowed three runs and five hits over five innings during a 6-1 loss.

Mesoraco strained his left hamstring trying to score a run on April 25 at Atlanta. In 13 games entering Friday, he was batting .468/.509/.787 with three home runs and 13 RBIs after he began the season on the DL because of a left oblique strain.

"It's great news. Devin was really on fire when he was active before the hamstring pull," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He was really a huge part of our offense, and we were kind of hitting on all cylinders when he was in there hitting seventh and doing some damage down in the lineup a little bit. We missed him in the lineup. We missed his presence on the ballclub. We're welcoming him back today with open arms."

Mesoraco didn't miss a beat, launching a three-run home run in his first at-bat against the Phillies.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.
Read More: Cincinnati Reds, Devin Mesoraco