Cincinnati Reds‘ slugger Joey Votto is on his way back from a stint on the COVID-19 list.
He has had a nightmarish start of the season (as has the team as a whole), and perhaps his placement on the COVID-19 list can help explain how bad he has looked at the plate.
It’s also possible he is just starting to feels the rigors of his advanced age (38 years old).
In any case, he is about to return to the Reds’ active roster, but first, he will make a stop at the organization’s High-A affiliate for some tune-up at-bats.
The Dayton Dragons already have a uniform for him.
Back in a Dragons uniform for the first time since 2012! #FeeltheFire pic.twitter.com/1FUkavcOil
— Dayton Dragons (@DragonsBaseball) May 17, 2022
The Dayton Dragons Will Be Welcoming Back An Old Friend
The last time Votto played for the Dragons was in 2012, on another rehab assignment.
He actually skipped A-ball going through the minor league ranks as a prospect, being placed in Double-A in 2006 for his first professional experience.
Votto, who actually had an excellent resurgence season in 2021 after three mediocre years, is trying to prove there is still plenty of gas left in his tank.
He will need to do a much better job, though.
In his first 22 games, he slashed a paltry .122/.278/.135 with no home runs, four runs, and three RBI in 90 plate appearances.
He looked out of rhythm, as did the whole Reds team.
But we all know Votto is capable of much, much more.
Last season, he hit 36 home runs and slashed .266/.375/.563.
Time, as of now, is undefeated, but Votto will likely extend his decline phase for later in his career.
If he has something left, he will have the rest of the season to show and prove it.
NEXT: Hunter Greene Had The Most Frustrating Result Of The Season