The Reds need Devin Mesoraco healthy. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
CINCINNATI — Devin Mesoraco took the first major step toward returning to the field when he underwent surgery Monday in New York to repair a left hip impingement.
Hip specialist Bryan Kelly performed the operation with Dr. Timothy Kremchek, the Reds’ medical director, present.
“Very big thumbs up,” Reds manager Bryan Price said before his team’s 11-7 win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday. “Been going back-and-forth on the text with him. He’s very happy. (Kremchek) gave us a very emphatic thumbs up.”
It was a significant hurdle for Mesoraco and the Reds, who exhausted every option to get their former All-Star back on the field, including a brief attempt to convert Mesoraco to left field.
Mesoraco, 27, last caught in a game April 12 before soreness from the impingement prevented him from squatting. He stayed on the active roster as a pinch hitter and designated hitter until going on the disabled list in late May.
Mesoraco made three rehab appearances in left field for Triple-A Louisville, and the pain resurfaced.
He came in with high hopes after becoming the first Reds catcher since Hall of Famer Johnny Bench to hit 25 homers and drive in 80 runs in a season. In 23 games this year, Mesoraco hit .178 with two RBIs.
Price said there were no surprises during Monday’s surgery and that the club had no regrets about its attempts to rehab Mesoraco’s injury.
“They did what they felt they were going to have to do to get him back to full health,” Price said.
