Six-time All-Star Joey Votto rejoins the streaking Cincinnati Reds on Monday night, entering the lineup for the first time since Aug. 16, 2022.
The first baseman, on the 60-day injured list while recovering from shoulder surgery, is expected to be activated for the first time in 2023 as the Reds bring an eight-game winning streak into their series opener against the visiting Colorado Rockies.
Votto, 39, steps back in the lineup with a vastly different team and said his goal isn’t to stand out, but to fit in with the club.
“I have to be a value add. I have to be an add,” Votto said Monday. “It’s the type of ball I want to play. I want to perform well. Now I’m in a position where I only have a choice to play well, which is even more — right up my alley. I’m stoked.”
Votto began his second rehab assignment of the season at Triple-A Louisville on June 3. An earlier stint there in April was halted after 10 games due to lingering issues following surgery in August to repair his left rotator cuff and biceps.
Votto is batting .173 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 22 games with Louisville.
Votto saw his streak of 14 consecutive Opening Day starts end due to the injury.
“I want to wear a Reds uniform until the end of my career, very clearly. I have to fit in,” Votto said.
He batted just .205 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs in 91 games last season. His on-base percentage was just .319.
Votto was the National League MVP in 2010 and batted better than .300 eight times in a nine-year span earlier in his career. He also has led the NL in on-base percentage seven times.
His career numbers include a .297 batting average, .412 on-base percentage, 342 homers and 1,106 RBIs in 1,991 games over 16 seasons, all with the Reds.
Votto is making $25 million in 2023, the final season of a 10-year, $225 million deal. The Reds hold a $20 million option for 2024 with a $7 million buyout.
–Field Level Media
