ANAHEIM -- Catcher Tucker Barnhart was scratched from the Reds’ starting lineup against the Angels on Wednesday with soreness in his right side. The club made the announcement about two hours before first pitch of the finale of the two-game set at Angel Stadium.

Barnhart’s most recent appearance was four days earlier on Saturday, when he started and played the entire game against the Brewers. The 28-year-old has caught in 54 of the Reds’ 77 games this season, including 46 starts and 40 complete games.

Curt Casali took Barnhart’s spot behind the plate on Tuesday, batting eighth. Casali had served as catcher for the Reds’ past two games.

Though Barnhart was expected to be the Reds’ primary catcher coming into 2019, his offensive struggles have recently led to a more even split of the duties with Casali.

Peralta on the mend
The prognosis on Wednesday was positive for left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta, who threw a 15-pitch bullpen session the day before at Angel Stadium.

“It went well,” manager David Bell said prior to Wednesday's game. “Another one tentatively scheduled for Friday, but everything went well.”

Peralta, who went on the injured list on June 15 with a right hip flexor strain, experienced no ill effects following Tuesday's session.

“I felt really good in the bullpen yesterday,” said Peralta, via a translator. “I felt strong and that’s what I want.”

Peralta is eligible to return from the IL whenever he’s ready, although his next steps will be determined based on how Friday’s bullpen session goes. For the time being, he’s optimistic that he’s on the right track.

“Yesterday, I felt really good. I felt happy, too, because I was commanding all my pitches, and the control of my pitches was really good,” said Peralta. “They haven’t told me what’s gonna happen after Friday, but hopefully I can come back soon.”

In 28 appearances for the Reds in 2019, Peralta has a 5.96 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, with 20 strikeouts vs. eight walks across 22 2/3 innings pitched.