Surgeon OKs Devin Mesoraco trying outfield

Devin Mesoraco got the all-clear from hip surgeon Bryan Kelly that playing the outfield would not worsen his hip condition.

So Mesoraco put in some work Friday in left field with coach Billy Hatcher. Mesoraco has been unable to catch since April 12 because of a left hip impingement.

"We've had conversations with Dr. Kelly," Mesoraco said. "He's one of the best hip surgeons around. Before Marlon (Byrd) got injured we were talking about taking some more time, waiting a little bit longer and trying to do some more catching stuff."

Byrd's injury — he's on the disabled list with fracture in his right wrist — sped up the timetable for the outfield work.

"When Marlon went down, it made sense to explore it," Mesoraco said. "It certainly doesn't hurt it out in left field . . . The only time I do hurt it is when I'm squatting."

Again, Dr. Kelly assured him that outfield play would not further damage it.

"He said you can't hurt any worse at this point," Mesoraco said. "It's something you can't do anymore damage to. It's something that he's seen in past where guys have had a problem with and rest has alleviated the problem. It made sense to take a little more time."

"The recovery is four to six months. At this point, we're 10 months from next (season). That's not going to come into play."

Mesoraco also talked to former big league catcher Matt Treanor, who had surgery.

"He's one few catchers to have it," Mesoraco said. "He said it was all of six months, but he felt fine afterward, catching was fine."

Kelly has taken care of hockey goalies as well.

"They've all come back fine," Mesoraco said. "They do a lot more with their hips that I do."

Mesoraco has not played any position but catcher since high school. Mesoraco will work with Hatcher during this homestand and then go to Louisville to play left field on a rehab assignment. If all goes well, he'll play some left for the Reds.

"No. 1, to feel good, feel like there's no inhibitions with his hip," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "I think we're there. He's feeling very good with his hip. No. 2, to get the base foundation laid with Billy Hatcher. Then No. 3, going out there and playing a handful of games.

"There's obviously so much more to it then running to the ball and catching it. It's knowing where to go with the ball. It's defending balls down the line, catching balls to your backhand, catching balls directly over your head, how to field a ground ball and coming up in the proper throwing position. There's a lot things that go with playing position that just going out there shagging balls in going to accommodate.

"That being said, I don't think you're looking at a guy who needs to play a month in Triple-A. I don't think that's going to happen."