Hamilton improved, Mesoraco could catch in few days

ST. LOUIS (AP) Cincinnati Reds leadoff man Billy Hamilton was not in the lineup but was available to play a day after injuring his groin beating out an infield hit.

Manager Bryan Price said Sunday that Hamilton was a ''useful piece'' and ''pretty close to a full go'' after running outdoors and hitting indoors. Price was a bit hesitant to use Hamilton after daylong rains in St. Louis and gave Skip Schumaker his first start in left field and leadoff.

Catcher Devin Mesoraco was not in the lineup for the sixth straight game with a hip injury. Price said Mesoraco could do everything but catch but hoped he'd be ready for that duty in a few days.

In the meantime, Price said he was not concerned Mesoraco could aggravate the injury hitting or running.