Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto hopes to return soon – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' All-Star first baseman Joey Votto said on Friday, August 24, that he is not too far off to start playing. Out of line-up since July 16, Votto had undergone surgery on his knee and then a second procedure on August 10.
He has started baseball activities and is expected to feature in the club soon. However, that remains tentative for now as he was confident on Friday that it would not be long before he started playing.
"I don't know, but I think I've come a long way," Votto said. "I feel like I'm not too far off. I can't put a day on it, but I know I've come a long way and I don't think it's going to be too much longer."
The Reds on Friday will take on the St. Louis Cardinals and the absence of Votto remained conspicuous. As regular season nears an end and the playoffs are on the cards, Votto will be definitely be needed by the club to maintain the team’s lead in the National League Central intact.
With the progress he has made, Votto also said he did not want to get hurt again as he has been missing playing and the club.
"I don't want to get hurt again. It's not been fun," Votto said. "As much time as I've been able to spend at home watching the team, watching the games. I miss being part of the team and putting the uniform on and feeling the pregame jitters on a daily basis. I wouldn't wish getting hurt on anybody."
Reds’ strength this season has been the powerful combination of batting and pitching. Both have done well. But the presence of an experience player like Votto, the Reds will feel both confident and strong.
With 14 homers and 49 RBIs, Votto has had a .342 batting average this season in the 80 games that he appeared.
Even though his stint in the disabled list was being seen as a potential setback, the club has overall performed well. Thus, once he returns, the Reds will be looking to excel and put in good performance before the playoffs.
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