David Kohl, USA TODAY SPORTS
Take an All-Star out of any MLB lineup, and it will make a difference. That is something that the Cincinnati Reds are experiencing during the 2015 season.
Last year, catcher Devin Mesoraco had the best season of his young career. Mesoraco earned his first All-Star appearance by hitting .273 with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs. He played in 114 games last season and provided a solid presence behind the plate for the Reds’ pitching staff.
But 2015 has been a much different season for the Reds and Mesoraco. The Reds’ catcher has battled injuries all season long, and has been limited to just 23 games so far this year. Some of those appearances have only been as a pinch hitter.
Even when he has played, Mesoraco has struggled this season, hitting just .178. He has not hit a home run and has only two runs batted in.
The Reds struggled without Mesoraco again on Friday, losing to the Cleveland Indians 7-3 at Progressive Field.
Brayan Pena has played well in Mesoraco’s absence, hitting .322. But Pena does not provide the same pop that Mesoraco can bring to the lineup. In 28 games this season, Pena does not have a home run and has only four RBIs.
The other big difference is that Pena is not as good at calling a game for pitchers as Mesoraco is. That has shown as the Reds’ pitchers, specifically the bullpen, has struggled all season long.
Young catcher Tucker Barnhart has also seen time behind the plate for the Reds this season. He is hitting .276 with two homers and three RBIs in 11 games.
But the production of those two players does not equal what a healthy Devin Mesoraco could bring. Until he gets fully healthy, the Reds’ offense will not be the same.
Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
