The Reds placed first baseman Joey Votto on the injured list on Wednesday, although the club did not specify any reason for the play.
It’s an unfortunate setback for Votto, who started with a strong start to spring training. The 37-year-old has 4-for-9 with a double and a walk in the Cactus League competition, which he played last Sunday against the Giants, when he clashed twice.
Votto, 2010 National League MVP and six-time All-Star, is looking for a rebound year in 2021. He hit .252 / .356 / .421 over the past two seasons, good for a league average of 100 OPS + – compared to his career record of 149. Votto showed an increase in power late last season, hitting eight homers in his last 28 games while putting in 0.548.
Votto, a 14-year veteran who has spent his entire career in Cincinnati, still has a three-year guaranteed contract, plus a club option for 2024.