Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto continues baseball activity – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' All-Star first baseman Joey Votto is said to be progressing with baseball activities as the team prepare to take on the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday in the three-game series opener. Having undergone the second procedure on August 10 after surgery was performed in July, Votto’s return is tentative so far.
It was on July 16 when he was last a part of the team’s active roster. Awaiting complete recovery and fitness, Votto will be able to play just when the club is certain of his fitness.
Reds are currently playing one of the longest stretches of baseball, 34 games in 34 days. Wearing down of the players is quite likely, thus Votto’s return now has become necessary for the Reds.
The team’s head trainer on Thursday said that Votto is engaged in baseball activities now. "He's been hitting in the cage, running and taking ground balls," Reds' head trainer Paul Lessard said.
But like said earlier, the return remains tentative unless the team is fully sure that Votto can play now. The head trainer, nonetheless, did say that the team will discuss issues with the player later Friday. "We'll put eyes on him [Friday] and then we'll sit down and talk," Lessard said.
The Reds understandably want the All-Star first baseman sooner than later given the power that he brings in the defence and offence. The accomplished slugger remains one of the invaluable assets of the Reds.
It was initially Brandon Phillips who had to take charge of everything in Votto’s absence, performing well. But Phillips has witnessed a slump lately.
Votto, on the other hand, before he had surgery on his knee, had a .342 average, performing consistently in 86 games that he appeared. With 14 home-runs and 49 RBIs, having had .604 slugging percentage, his being at field filled the Reds with confidence and energy.
Nonetheless, the team has retained its top position. It will be able to make it easily into the playoffs with the performance that they have maintained so far. Votto’s presence, in particular, will further solidify the Reds, allowing them to ease past any hurdle.
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