What Happened to Joey Votto?

Frank Jones

What Happened to Joey Votto

Joey Votto is a well-known name in the world of professional baseball. The Canadian-born athlete has spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds, earning numerous accolades and setting several franchise records along the way.

However, Votto’s 2023 season got off to a rocky start when it was announced that he would begin the year on the injured list.

This news came as a disappointment to many fans who were hoping to see Votto back in action after he underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and biceps in his left shoulder in August of 2022.

In this blog post, we will explore what happened to Joey Votto, the details of his injury and surgery, and his current rehab progress. We will also discuss what Votto’s return might look like and what his absence means for the Reds.

Joey Votto’s Injury

Joey Votto’s injury occurred during a game against the Chicago Cubs on July 16, 2022. Votto dove for a ball hit down the first-base line and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder, resulting in a dislocation. The dislocation caused a tear in his rotator cuff and biceps, which required season-ending surgery in August.

The surgery Votto underwent involved repairing both the rotator cuff and biceps tendon in his left shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone, while the biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder.

Repairing these structures requires a surgeon to reattach the torn tendon or muscle to the bone using sutures, anchors, or screws.

This injury is significant for Votto and the Reds for a few reasons. Firstly, Votto is an integral part of the Reds’ offense and defense.

He is a six-time All-Star, former National League MVP, and has won four Gold Gloves for his excellent defense at first base. Losing him for an extended period of time is a significant blow to the team’s chances of success.

Furthermore, Votto is not a young player anymore, and injuries can have a more significant impact on older athletes. He is currently 39 years old and has been playing in the major leagues for over a decade.

Any injury that requires surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation is cause for concern, particularly for a player of Votto’s age and caliber.

Joey Votto’s Rehab

Joey Votto has been working hard to prepare for the 2023 season while also rehabilitating from his injury. During Spring Training, he participated in batting practice and fielding drills, and he also took part in simulated games to test his shoulder’s strength and mobility.

However, it was ultimately decided that he would begin the season on the injured list to allow him more time to recover.

As part of his rehab process, Votto will start a rehab assignment with the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, on Friday, April 21, 2023.

A rehab assignment is a period of time during which a player who has been injured can play in minor league games to get back into game shape before returning to the major league team. These assignments typically last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the player’s progress.

During his rehab assignment, Votto will play in games with the Louisville Bats and work with trainers and coaches to ensure that he is making progress and not experiencing any setbacks. The Reds will closely monitor his progress and determine when he is ready to return to the major league roster.

A rehab assignment is crucial for Votto’s return to the major leagues because it allows him to get game reps without the pressure and intensity of major league games.

This allows him to ease back into game action, regain his timing and confidence, and test out his shoulder in a low-pressure environment.

If all goes well during his rehab assignment, Votto should be ready to return to the Reds’ roster and contribute to the team’s success once again.

Joey Votto’s Future

Joey Votto’s return to the Reds will likely be a much-anticipated event for both the team and its fans. Once he is healthy and ready to return, he will likely be slotted back into his role as the team’s starting first baseman and a key contributor to the lineup.

Votto’s return will give the Reds a boost on both offense and defense, as he is a versatile player who can hit for power, get on base, and play excellent defense.

Votto’s impact on the Reds in the past cannot be overstated. He has spent his entire career with the team, and during that time, he has set several franchise records, won numerous accolades, and been a fan favorite.

He has been a consistent presence in the lineup, posting a career batting average of .304 and hitting over 300 home runs.

Looking to the future, Votto’s contributions to the Reds will likely be just as significant. Although he is getting older and has been battling injuries in recent years, he still has the ability to be an impact player for the team.

His leadership and veteran presence in the clubhouse will be invaluable to the team’s younger players, and his on-field performance will help the Reds compete in a tough National League Central division.

Overall, Joey Votto’s return to the Reds will be a welcome sight for both the team and its fans. He has been a cornerstone of the franchise for over a decade, and his contributions on and off the field are invaluable.

As long as he can stay healthy and continue to produce, he will remain an important part of the Reds’ success for years to come.

Joey Votto’s career statistics with the Cincinnati Reds:

YearGames PlayedBatting AverageHome RunsRBI
200724.321417
2008151.2972484
2009131.3222584
2010150.32437113
2011161.30929103
2012111.3371456
2013162.3052473
201462.255623
2015158.3142980
2016158.3262997
2017162.32036100
2018145.2841267
2019142.2611547
202054.2261122
2021141.2611547
2022122.2742166

This table shows Joey Votto’s games played, batting average, home runs, and RBI for each year of his career with the Cincinnati Reds.

The data demonstrates Votto’s consistency as a top performer for the Reds, as he has had several seasons with over 20 home runs and 80 RBI.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Joey Votto suffer his shoulder injury?

Joey Votto suffered a torn rotator cuff and biceps in his left shoulder in August 2022. He underwent surgery to repair the injury and has been rehabilitating ever since.

Has Joey Votto ever been injured before?

Yes, Joey Votto has dealt with injuries throughout his career. In addition to his recent shoulder injury, he has also suffered from back and knee injuries in the past.

When is Joey Votto expected to return to the Reds’ roster?

There is no set timeline for Joey Votto’s return to the Reds’ roster. It will depend on how he progresses during his rehab assignment with the Louisville Bats and how he feels physically.

How has Joey Votto’s injury affected the Reds’ performance?

The Reds have had to play without Joey Votto in the lineup to start the 2023 season, which has undoubtedly affected their performance. However, the team has been competitive and has shown resilience despite his absence.

How long will Joey Votto’s rehab assignment last?

The length of Joey Votto’s rehab assignment is unknown at this time. It will depend on how he progresses and how quickly he is able to get back into game shape. Typically, rehab assignments last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

To Recap

Joey Votto’s injury and subsequent rehab assignment have been closely watched by Cincinnati Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.

Votto’s injury, a torn rotator cuff and biceps in his left shoulder, is significant because it affects his ability to throw and hit, two crucial skills for a first baseman.

However, Votto has been working hard to rehab his injury and prepare for his return to the Reds’ roster. His rehab assignment with the Triple-A Louisville Bats will provide him with valuable game reps and allow him to ease back into major league action.

Once Votto is healthy and ready to return to the Reds, he will likely resume his role as a key contributor to the team’s success.

His veteran presence and leadership in the clubhouse, coupled with his on-field performance, will be crucial for the team’s success in a tough National League Central division.

Overall, Reds fans are eagerly anticipating Joey Votto’s return, and his contributions to the team both now and in the future will be significant.

Leave a Comment