Tucker Barnhart is seeing more playing time with the Reds. (Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports)
CINCINNATI — Tucker Barnhart is earning more playing time, in part because he’s in the best offensive stretch of his major league career. But also because Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price wants the 24-year-old catcher to assume more of a leadership role.
“It’s a take-charge position,” Price said. “He’s working with younger pitchers that he’s caught in the minors. That makes it easier for him. Just gaining confidence leading a pitching staff, especially with the veteran guys is important.”
Veteran Brayan Pena has gotten most of the playing time since Devin Mesoraco is out for the season after hip surgery. But, Barnhart started six of the past 12 games, including two of the three games in the series against Milwaukee.
Barnhart hit safely in six of eight games. He hit .368 with two homers and three RBIs during a recent seven-game hitting streak.
Barnhart had a career-high four hits including a double on Monday against the Minnesota Twins. He went 0-for-3 in a 6-1 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday.
“He’s earned a chance to be part of the mix,” Price. “He has swung the bat well, but Brayan has too. This is a big part of his development, to take more of a leadership role. He’s already a good catch-and-throw guy.
