Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto all set to return this weekend – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds are all set to activate the All-Star first baseman, Joey Votto this weekend after he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair torn meniscus cartilage in his left knee. Votto was expected to appear for the Reds in the middle of August, but things did not quite go well, resulting in a second procedure to be performed on his left knee.
But now, after having two of his rehab games, Votto is to be activated, something that the Reds await eagerly. In his absence, much to the surprise of many – as well as excitement, the Reds did not lose their magical touch and maintained their National League Central lead.
However, although the Reds have a lead of seven games than the Cardinals – which stand second in the league, the team manager Dusty Baker said the club needs Votto back in the line-up now.
"You can get by for a while, but sooner or later, you need your big boy," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said. "He's your equalizer against a real tough pitcher. Plus, when he comes back, he sets my lineup the way that it should be. Right now, things are set the way they have to be to give us the best chance to win."
Votto has missed 44 games so far since the first surgery that he had to undergo, but the Reds have in his absence, maintained a wonderful 30-14 record and a total of 80 wins in the season.
The Reds' catcher, Ryan Hanigan, is excitingly looking forward to Votto’s return now.
"It's been good that he doesn't have to feel he has to rush back," Hanigan said. "It hasn't been like a 'we need Votto' situation. But at the end of the day, we need Votto. It's going to be great to have him back."
What is certain is that the Cincinnati Reds will have an ever mightier offence at their disposal now with Votto’s return. When he last played in July, he had a .342 batting average with 14 homers to his credit and scored 49 RBIs with the league best .465 on-base percentage.
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