Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco expects to try and catch a bullpen session sometime next week, and the results could cause him to make a decision on whether to undergo surgery on his injured hip, MLB.com reports.
"That's kind of the time," Mesoraco said on Thursday. "We have to see if it's going to work out. It's been over a month [since catching]. If it's going to work, it's going to happen at that time. If it isn't, we'll know at that time. At this point, it's time to figure it out."
Mesoraco has functioned as a pinch-hitter and designated hitter (when possible) while dealing with a left hip impingement. He said he's felt better in recent days, but the catching attempt could lead to a final decision on possible surgery.
"I guess I'm optimistic I will be able to catch in a relatively close amount of time," Mesoraco said. "I haven't done any catching drills for 30-some days. At some point I'll probably have to get some practice, get back there and get some work in. But I think at this point I'm going to be able to catch, or I'm going to get the surgery. We're not going to keep pinch-hitting the whole year, I know that. We have these DH games, which will help. After that, if the catching goes well, which I am optimistic it will, then we'll catch. If it doesn't, then we'll make another decision."