Tucker Barnhart started the game for the Cincinnati Reds. That was never in doubt as he is starting the season chasing a second consecutive Gold Glove. He didn’t finish the game, however.
When the game was on the line in the ninth inning, the Reds went to back-up catcher Devin Mesoraco. This wasn’t because of a defensive situation. With Barnhart leading off, the Reds used Mesoraco to pinch hit for him.
Leading off the inning, maybe the Reds would have preferred Phil Ervin, but he was already in the game in a double switch.