Cincinnati Reds to be stronger with Joey Votto’s return – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' All-Star first baseman Joey Votto is expected to make his first appearance this weekend, almost one and half month after he underwent surgery on his left knee. His return, for a variety of reasons, fills the club and fans with joy and excitement.
Reds, which are currently sitting atop the National League Central will have a powerful slugger available to them to trounce any defence in the League. But as Votto remained out of line-up for 44 games, the Reds fared well although it did not initially seem likely.
Winning 30 of those 44 games, the Reds’ offence seemed intact as from Scott Rolen to Brandon Phillips, Ryan Ludwick to Todd Frazier, every hitter performed really well, not leaving the club’s offence vulnerable.
Cincinnati Reds' catcher Ryan Hanigan shed some light on what was the initial reaction of the team, and how they reconciled with the absence of Votto.
"I feel like the first news of it, guys were a little concerned about losing a player like that," Hanigan said. "Everybody said, 'You know what, this is our time to step it up.' Everybody has had more chances to really help the team win. We've gotten it done in different ways -- pitching, clutch hits and defense."
Scott Rolen maintained a .313 average and Phillips had .316 average throughout this absence of Votto. This, in effect, made it abundantly clear that the Reds have now strengthened themselves enough to sustain pressure in case of any player’s injury and long absence.
That aspect was alluded to by the team’s starter Bronson Arroyo.
"A lot of people have to be pulling on different ropes to get you over the hump," Arroyo said. "We haven't missed a beat without Joey. That's a testament to this ballclub and that we have enough guys for depth."
Joey Votto is to play his first game, if all goes well, on Saturday against the Houston Astros. It will be interesting to see how he goes about it as all the eyes are set upon him.
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