The Cincinnati Reds arrived in Toronto on Monday, but Joey Votto was absent. Hopes were high that the 40-year-old local favorite might get the chance to play in a Blue Jays uniform against his former team. However, the nearly six-month-long effort to prepare Votto for a return to the field is still ongoing.
A lackluster .154 batting average and 20 strikeouts in just 39 at-bats at Triple-A Buffalo are clear indicators of why he’s not back in the majors yet.
Joey Votto, the seasoned player with a Hall of Fame-worthy career, is managing his own comeback behind the scenes. He is effectively choosing when to be in the lineup for the minors and deciding when he feels ready to return to the big leagues.
Though Votto will turn 41 in three weeks, there’s still hope he’ll make it to Toronto before the season ends, possibly when rosters expand in September.
However, his performance has not met expectations so far.
On Monday, there was some disappointment in the Reds’ clubhouse that their former teammate wasn’t in Toronto as well.
“I actually texted him last night when we arrived and we’ve been keeping in touch,” said Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, who used to sit next to Votto on charter flights with Cincinnati. “I was hoping he might make it here, but that’s up to others to decide.
“When he’s ready, he’ll know it. Whenever I ask him how things are going, he usually just says ‘good.’ It would be great for him, especially since he’s from here, if he could make it up this year. I know he’d love that.”
Since Votto signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays on March 9, he has struggled with lower-body issues, including a nagging ankle problem since spring.
This is just the latest in a series of physical challenges for the 17-year veteran, who boasts 356 home runs and a career .920 OPS.
Despite everything, those closest to Votto aren’t surprised that he’s grinding it out in the minors in his forties, determined to make a comeback.
“In every way, he deserves to be a Hall of Famer,” said Reds outfielder TJ Friedl. “Having been in the clubhouse with him for two years and observing his work ethic, it’s no surprise that he’s still pushing to return.”
Stephenson concurred.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” he said. “Even over the last few years, he’s continued to work hard and strive for improvement. Seeing that when I first joined the team, I realized how seriously he takes his job, which is why he’s such a great player. He’s probably going to keep playing as long as he can.
It’s natural to question what the Blue Jays stand to gain from this situation.
Perhaps they could see a boost in jersey sales and a few extra walk-up tickets from fans eager to see the local hero? While that might be a small benefit, it’s certainly possible.
They might also gain some positive public relations in a season that could use a lift. However, there’s a chance that Votto might struggle or have limited playing time, which might not meet the expectations of fans hoping for a memorable performance.
One clear benefit Votto could provide, albeit in a more subjective manner, is his wealth of experience and wisdom in the clubhouse.
Throughout his career, he’s consistently contributed in this regard.
“He was incredibly involved in our clubhouse while coming back from injury, especially given how young our team was last year,” Friedl said. “It was remarkable how he managed his return from injury while being a central figure in the clubhouse, offering guidance and mentoring us in any way we needed. His insights on hitting were always valuable.
“He was a key player for this team.
The player/coach role Votto would play for the final month or so might be beneficial, but he could also be taking vital developmental at-bats away from the group of young players on the roster who need them more.
That’s the debate.
But it’s one that may not matter if Votto can’t find a previous version of himself in the minors.
And soon.
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