They said on MLB network Votto was quoted as to saying he will be back just in time for the losing streak to end. So maybe hes already a day late and is back tommorrow?:)
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They said on MLB network Votto was quoted as to saying he will be back just in time for the losing streak to end. So maybe hes already a day late and is back tommorrow?:)
Our friend John Fay has been banging the drum that Votto would be back for the Pirate series...anyone else notice that tonight he changed his tune, saying he would not be back (in his opinion)?
I think Votto will be back by the end of next week. That would put him at about 24 days since the surgery. Maybe next Fri? Hopefully they make sure hes at 100% before even attempting to take the field. The last thing we need is a re-injury situation. Hes already taking swings and grounders. The end of next week sounds about right if all goes well or maybe even before then. I wish we knew for certain.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought his DL stint (15 day?) was to end, or the Reds had to make a decision, this past Tuesday? So is he still considered on the DL, or in a sort of limbo?
It's obvious that it's in Votto's ,as well as the Red's, best interest, to wait until he is clearly ready to return before placing him back in the lineup. Certainly don't want him coming back early and running the risk of not only of stirring up inflammation in the joint but potentially straining one of the muscles around the knee which could make matters worse.
Hypothetical question: Do you activate Votto before the Pirates series and use him just as a pinch-hitter?
That's not his fault. It's the joke of a paper he works for that furloughs reporters all the time. Cost saving measure and all that. Not sure if Tom Groeschen will make the trip or if they'll just use the AP copy.
I rag on Fay from time to time too, but he initial reporting on Votto may well have been based on rumblings coming from his quick progress and it's possible the change in the actual schedule may be that the club has decided that they can afford to give him more time to be sure he's 100% instead of rushing him back as the season's cavalry. Only losing one game out of the last 13 can give you that luxury.
Votto's return date still uncertain, but definitely not this weekend.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...k_cin&c_id=cin
Very smart IMHO. This would be a horrible point in a playoff run to push him when he's not ready, especially when the team seems to be (knock on wood) doing just fine without him.
Probably not but you can always pinch run for him if he gets on base. Plus, if he's available off the bench, you could always put him in the on-deck circle as a pinch hitting bluff to get the Bucs to waste a pitcher. Everybody talks about how the Reds have no lefty pinch hit options off the bench but this is not only one of the best but possibly the best hitter in baseball who is left handed coming off the bench. Nothing against Xavier Paul but I'd much rather see Votto coming off the bench to pinch hit than him. All Votto has to do is run to 1st base. If he hits a HR, he can jog around easy.
I probably wouldn't do this but it's mighty tempting.
"Votto? We Don't Need No Stinking Votto!" :D
http://www.rudebadmood.com/badges/madre.jpg
[Nor obviously Phillips or Ludwick the way the O put up runs in yesterday's game]
A bunch of us will be down there for Saturday's sold out game. Would love to see Joey play, but it's understandable as to why he won't. We can still win this series.... Wandy has been struggling (Friday's pitcher), and since the AS break McDonald, who pitches Saturday, has not been close to the pitcher of the first half.
And then Sunday, Eric "I just got my butt beat 14-4 by the Cubs" Bedard is scheduled.