Mesoraco's bat has gone quiet: Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco drew the start behind the plate Monday against the Braves -- his 14th start this season at catcher. Unfortunately, Mesoraco heads into Fantasy Week 7 (May 14-20) mired in an offensive slump. Since producing consecutive multi-hit games on April 18 and April 20, Mesoraco is batting .125 (3 for 24) with one homer and two RBI in his last nine games. (Updated 05/14/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/24/12).
Fantasy Analysis
As much offensive upside as Mesoraco has, it's not surprising to see him struggle offensively at the beginning of his MLB career. Most young catchers struggle offensively since they are learning the defensive intricacies of the position. Also, Mesoraco is in a timeshare situation with Ryan Hanigan, so it could be tough for him to settle into an offensive rhythm as he is not playing every day. Mesoraco is worth holding onto in deeper Fantasy formats, but right now he's nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy catcher. (Updated 05/14/2012).
05/21/2012 10:09 Reality Check: Is Bauer keeping you up at night?
Does the prospect of Trevor Bauer getting his Major League Baseball debut in the near future keep you up at night? Scott White soothes the situation in his latest Reality Check.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/19/2012 16:47 Reds nip Yanks behind Votto's big HR
Joey Votto hit a three-run homer, Jose Arredondo worked out of a ninth-inning jam for his first major-league save and the Cincinnati Reds held off the New York Yankees 6-5 Saturday.
05/13/2012 20:18 Hit Parade for Week 7
As interleague play gets under way there are many matchups to break down. Our Scott White tells you who the best bets and biggest risks are in his Hit Parade for Week 7.
Yes, Reds manager Dusty Baker has a history of sitting up-and-coming prospects for uninspiring veterans, but even he saw the value in using Devin Mesoraco behind the plate down the stretch last season, starting him in nine of the team's final 11 games. It was just a first look at what should be a permanent development with Ramon Hernandez now in Colorado. Though Mesoraco didn't exactly rewrite the record books in his first stint in the majors, his minor-league numbers suggest he has big things in store. The 2007 first-rounder gets on base at an especially high rate for a catcher and already has above-average power. Catchers have historically been slow to adjust to the big leagues given the emphasis on defense at the position, and if that happens to Mesoraco, Baker could quickly develop an unhealthy attachment to Ryan Hanigan. But if all goes as planned, Mesoraco will make a Fantasy impact in 2012 and could take his first step toward becoming one of the top hitters at the position. He's worth targeting in the late rounds. (Updated 1/25/12)