Joey Votto and Scott Rolen out of Sunday’s finale against the San Francisco Giants – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds second baseman Joey Votto on Sunday, July 1, did not appear in the series finale to be played against the San Francisco Giants owing to inflammation in his left knee. It was during Saturday’s game that the second baseman had to leave the game in the fifth inning.
However, whatever happened on Saturday was actually the result of him injuring his knee when he played Friday’ game, while trying slide into third base. Saturday’s game had made it clear, though, that he was unable to run.
This came on a day when he was elected for All-Star Game with massive voting for the second baseman.
As to how he was feeling, the player said it was progressing. But he refused to give the final date for his return.
"It's progressing. I will have to talk to Paul [Lessard, the head athletic trainer] and Dusty about it," Votto said. "It's usually their decision and it's my knee's decision, not really mine."
In Sunday’s game, it was Miguel Cairo who replaced Votto and batted seventh. However, while Cairo is a temporary replacement, it seems no one can replace Votto for now, given the impressive record he has this season.
This season, the player has maintained a .350 batting average with 47 RBIs and 13 homers to his credit – having had 33 doubles and .471 on-base percentage. The latter two are the best in the National League as the player continues his magical performance.
The team manager Dusty Baker spoke of the condition Scott Rolen had as the third baseman also did not seem perfectly fit to continue the play.
"His back just locked up on him," Baker said. "It was just like a few minutes before the game. At that point, we went to Frazier, who had a good day for us."
Votto’s early return as well as that of Rolen in the team holds great significance given the power the two lend to the offence. Thus, the Reds will focus on both the players’ come-back. It remains to be seen how long it takes the two to start playing the regular games.
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