With Bailey starting, Barnhart gets nod behind plate

BOSTON -- Reds catcher Brayan Pena was bothered by a tight left hamstring during Sunday's series finale vs. the Brewers and didn't start on Tuesday vs. the Red Sox. Rookie Tucker Barnhart started for Pena, but manager Bryan Price noted that had nothing to do with the injury.

Price wanted Barnhart paired as a batterymate with Tuesday's starting pitcher, Homer Bailey.

"I'm really using Homer and Barnhart quite a bit like how I'm using [Johnny] Cueto and Pena. That's really the reason Tucker is in there," Price said. "He's built a good relationship with Homer. I think that certain familiarity with guys is important. I think this is a pairing that's important to maintain as long as we can."

Price believed that Pena would be available, if needed.

"I don't expect there to be limitations, but we'll know more after batting practice," Price said.