ATLANTA -- The Cincinnati Reds placed catcher Devin Mesoraco on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a strained left hamstring, and injured closer Aroldis Chapman made a "big step" in his recovery from facial fractures. Mesoraco hurt his hamstring while scoring from second in Friday nights 5-4 loss at Atlanta. Chapman was hit by a line drive during an exhibition game on March 19, breaking his nose and a bone above his left eye. The left-hander looked strong while throwing 43 pitches in batting practice before Saturday nights game against the Braves. The session was divided into two "innings," separated by a five-minute break. It was Chapmans second time throwing batting practice and his first without a protective screen in front of the mound. He is scheduled to throw another simulated game on Tuesday in Cincinnati before beginning a rehab stint in the minors. "I think it was a big step today to throw without a protective screen for the first time since the incident happened," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "I thought it was a big step, and if one more outing makes him feel physically and mentally more prepared to face hitters in a game situation, thats great." Chapman said he is still regaining the stamina he needs to feel ready for games. "I think everything went well," Chapman said through a translator. "I dont feel physically the same way I was feeling in spring training but I believe with a little work I will be in the physical shape that I want to be." Chapman said he wasnt worried about throwing without the protective screen normally used in batting practice. "Actually, Im really positive," he said. "Since everything that happened to me, Ive been really positive. I didnt have a bad thought that this could happen again, that I could have any trauma to my head again." Price said he does not think Chapman will need a long stay in the minors. "I hate to put a number on it because that would be reckless, but after we send him out I dont think it will be much more than a week," Price said. Right-hander Jonathan Broxton has four saves as the fill-in closer. Third baseman Todd Frazier was held out of the lineup after leaving Friday nights game with tightness in his left leg. Price said Frazier probably could have started if needed. The Reds recalled catcher Tucker Barnhart from Triple-A Louisville to play behind Brayan Pena. Neftali Soto is making his first career start at third base against the Braves. Barnhart, Soto and Ramon Santiago took turns in the batters box against Chapman. Custom Dallas Mavericks Jerseys . THE THUNDER & PACERS BENCHES: In a nutshell, not impressive at all. Dwight Powell Mavericks Jersey . 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell while figuring out which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. http://www.mavericksteamofficial.info/ja...vericks-jersey/. "Youre next." Hardly. Iguodala tormented his former team with a game better than any he ever played in eight seasons with the 76ers. Jalen Brunson Mavericks Jersey . -- Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana agreed Tuesday to a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles as he tries to come back from the second major operation on his left shoulder. Jose Juan Barea Mavericks Jersey . Louis Cardinals for the National League Wild Card, are in the drivers seat as they open the final series of the regular season, but they face a large task in the form of the Philadelphia Phillies.SAN ANTONIO - Knicks star Carmelo Anthony and Spurs veterans Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are among several big names out of action for Wednesday nights game between New York and San Antonio.Anthony felt soreness in his left knee after playing 39 minutes Tuesday night in New Orleans. He had 17 points and eight rebounds in New Yorks ninth straight loss.Duncan and Spurs teammate Manu Ginobili were sitting out for rest after playing Tuesday night in a loss to Utah.Parrker has a mild strain of his left hamstring.dddddddddddd Coach Gregg Popovich said the 32-year-old point guard should return soon.Kawhi Leonard also was out for San Antonio. He bruised his right hand trying to brace a fall late Tuesday.They X-rayed him today and going to give him an MRI tomorrow, Popovich said.Tiago Splitter was set to return to the Spurs lineup after missing all but 10 minutes this season because of stiffness in his right calf. ' ' '