After solid return, Mesoraco sits on Saturday

PHILADELPHIA -- Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco didn't start behind the plate on Saturday against the Phillies, one day after coming off of the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring. Mesoraco caught Friday's 3-0 shutout and hit the game-winning three-run homer.

Manager Bryan Price opted to start Tucker Barnhart at catcher, since he has worked well with starting pitcher Homer Bailey this season. But that wasn't the primary reason Mesoraco was out. It was about trying to be careful.

"Instead of total immersion," Price said. "[Mesoraco is] going to be our regular catcher. You're not going to see him catch two out of every five. On his way back from a rehab, I don't think it makes a great deal of sense to play him every day. [Brayan] Pena will most likely continue to catch Johnny Cueto. That's been a very good relationship. You'll see a lot of Devin Mesoraco. He's going to play [Sunday], so I'll give him today off."