Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto is one of the most likable players in MLB: everybody respects and cherishes him.
That’s why the fact he won’t play anymore this season is heartbreaking for many.
The first baseman got the bad news today.
“NEWS: Joey Votto announced he will have season-ending surgery for a rotator cuff tear on Friday,” the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bobby Nightengale tweeted.
NEWS: Joey Votto announced he will have season-ending surgery for a rotator cuff tear on Friday.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) August 17, 2022
Nightengale also detailed that, “the rehab timeline after surgery is six months, Votto said. He had an MRI when the Reds returned from their last road trip, which showed the tear, and multiple doctors advised surgery. He’s tried to play through it for 3-4 months.”
The expectation is that the soon-to-be-39 slugger will be ready to play in spring training.
Votto Will Likely Be Ready For Spring Training
Whether or not the Reds will field a competitive team remains a mystery, but as one of the faces of the franchise, he will likely be there on Opening Day 2023.
Next year, he is owed $25 million and carries a $20 million club option (or $7 million buyout) for 2024.
Votto started off the season slow amid a COVID-19 case.
He was very good upon returning, then injured his shoulder at some point in the first half.
Overall, he is surely disappointed with his 2022 performance, as he slashed .205/.319/.370 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI in 91 games played.
A healthy Votto remains a significant threat for the Reds, as he can hit for power and get on base at a high clip like he did in 2021 (36 home runs, .375 on-base percentage).
Age, however, is starting to become a factor, too.
Votto is undoubtedly getting close to the end of his magnificent career, and he will likely gain some Hall of Fame consideration once he decides to hang up his cleats.
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