Last week Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was in Triple-A with the Louisville Bats. He wasn’t on a rehab assignment, but was there taking live batting practice and getting in some work as he continues to try and return from his shoulder and biceps surgery. With Monday being an off day in the minors, and with the Bats hitting the road on Tuesday to start a series in Syracuse, Votto was at Great American Ball Park. He told C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic that the difference between now versus when he shut things down was incomparable.
Joey Votto said he feels better and will continue to take live BP. When asked how he felt now vs. when he shut it down, he said the difference was "incomparable"
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) May 22, 2023
Votto told Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer that he’s not game ready yet, but that he’s moving in that direction. Cincinnati’s long time first baseman ended his previous rehab assignment after going 2-5 with a double and April 14th. When he begins his next rehab assignment he will get the full 20 days in the minor leagues before he will be out of rehab time.
Connor Overton to have elbow surgery
Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Connor Overton’s season is likely over as he is set to undergo surgery on his pitching elbow today in Cincinnati. This was first reported by Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Overton, who last pitched on April 14th before heading to the injured list with an elbow injury, had been rehabbing in Goodyear, Arizona at the Reds spring training facility. According to manager David Bell he suffered a setback while out there and will now be undergoing surgery.
Update on May 25th
Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Connor Overton underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. He will be out for the rest of the season.
I’m probably in the minority, but at this point I wish Votto would just retire and let the youngsters develop.
I know. He really won’t contribute much this season, and he is taking up a 40 man spot. And putting a lot of things on hold….like calling up CES from AAA.
I hope he comes back and does something but that is likely at least 30 days away.
May becomes June, June becomes July……
And now it looks like someone else is done for the year, Connor Overton.
I mean prior to the start of the year, I was hoping he’d come back and hit his 40 home runs.
At this point, I think he’s gotta know he’s done. And yes, a guy at this stage in his career, with PLENTY of cash under his pillow, plenty of accolades, and especially after a terrible year last year, really has no business taking AB’s away from younger players.
It’s cool if he’s there to support them, but he doesn’t need to suit up and play.
If he’s healthy he should suit up and play.
ty Doug, +1
Everybody making wild predictions about how he’ll do, truth is none of us know. He’s just as likely to flop as he is succeed at this point.
By the way, overton’s done too
I agree. People’s expectations of Votto are bit exaggerated here. The man will be 40 before the end of the season and coming back from major surgery. Expecting the Joey of old is wishful thinking. Another 2021 would have made a nice farewell tour but that’s not to be.
I totally agree Tar Heel Red. Votto has ceen a below average major league player the last couple of years.
When Votto returns and he continues hitting 20 home runs why retire. He has great bats speeds and a great leadership to the ball club.
All the people on RLN that say Votto is done, it sounds like Debbie downers wishful thinking. I thought he would be back by now but it definitely appears he will be back within a month or so. I’m still leaning that he will contribute to this team in the 2nd half with a chance to play for some team in MLB next season. Guy is too proud to go out in a whimper.
I dont know if its pride, I think he still thinks he can play. There’s no reason he can’t IMO.
So if there was pain and discomfort (more before, than now). Why was he playing in rehab games. Shouldn’t a guy be fully ready before starting to play in actual games? Was it just general soreness from not playing for a while. If there was pain, why was he allowed to keep playing?
Be great if JV had a great last year!
Plenty of time for CES in the future.
Come on back Joey. Prove them wrong. 🙂
+1
At least you gave me ONE point. 😀
+1 more Melvin!! You earned it!
Thanks…sniff sniff
You get one from me, too. +1
I’m going to have to get out the kleenex now. sniff sniff 🙂
I dont even know what Vottos injury is anymore. Why did he shut things down?
Recovering from shoulder and biceps surgery. I seem to recall the shoulder being rotator cuff. Seems likely he had pain and didn’t want to risk re-injury.
Well being someone that underwent extensive Rotator & bicep surgery some of the worst pain I have ever endured and literally your bicep your arm shoulder it is like jello absolutely no strength. Personally I think he should retire he would make a great coach.
I’ll put it this way, I’d much rather have Joey Votto in the lineup at a .600 ops than watch Will myers doing the same.
Plus I’m pretty confident that if Joey says he’s ready to go sometime this year it will be better than a .600 ops. Will myers is either injured or completely done at age 32.
Absolutely, the guy is so far off the plate he looks like a little leaguer up there. Much rather see Joey. Period.
Votto is a perfectionist. I think there’s no way he wants to come back just to play. If he doesn’t think he can hit at a high level, he’ll shut it down. And if he comes back, he’s at least as likely to perform well as to struggle. So I do want Votto taking at bats from guys like Myers, Benson, Fairchild, Newman and Casali. There’s plenty of room for Votto to contribute without slowing down McLain, Barrero, EDLC or CES. Get healthy and then come help this offense Joey. Go Reds!
+1
Completely agree!
Joey Votto has earned the right to come back under his terms. For the fans who say he’s hurting the team by taking a spot away, that’s laughable. Have you “fans” been watching this team during his entire tenure at first base? He’s one of the best Reds players ever. And I’ve been a fan for 50 years. He’s played under the worst ownership and with a mostly forgettable cast around him. And he still retains his love of the game. He is the exception and not the rule of this team.
By the way, overton’s done too
I love bottom! I hope he comes back and does well. He has been a true professional and been loyal. He could have left years ago. I’ve been a reds fan since I was 5 years old and he is a top red all time. He can go out whenever and however he wants too. Thank you Mr Votto for being a Red when many other all time greats would have moved on to win. We reds find love you!!! Can’t wait to see him come back. I bought my son his first ever baseball jersey of Joey Votto.!! Reds have a very bright future and Ella Dela Cruz isn’t even up yet and he is #1 prospect in baseball period!!!!!