For the first time since 2008, a stretch of 14 consecutive seasons, Joey Votto won’t be written into the Cincinnati Reds’ Opening Day lineup.
Votto announced Monday he will begin a Triple-A rehab assignment on Friday when Louisville opens the season in Nashville. He won’t be eligible to return to the majors until April 6 at the earliest.
“What led me to that decision was just not being ready,” Votto said. “Starting a good bit behind during spring training. Still working through some of the rehab process. Not accumulating enough time in the field. Not accumulating enough at-bats. (Sunday) was the first day where I felt semi-close to being able to play close to 100%. It takes a stretch of time feeling that way before you feel like you are regular season ready.”
Joey Votto's streak of consecutive Opening Day starts ends at 14
Votto’s streak of 14 consecutive Opening Day games was tied with Bid McPhee for the second-longest streak in club history, according to Bally Sports Ohio's statistician Joel Luckhaupt. Pete Rose appeared in 16 consecutive Opening Day games for the Reds from 1963-1978.
“It saddens me because Opening Day means a lot to our city,” Votto said. “It means a lot to me. This is just how it is shaking out this year. I’m trying to hustle back and get back in uniform as quickly as possible and help the team. It’s just going to be a little bit later this year.”
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Reds Manager David Bell was hopeful Votto would spend the minimum amount of time on the injured list. Votto played in eight Major League spring training games, receiving 22 at-bats, and he was scheduled to play in intrasquad scrimmages at Great American Ball Park on Monday and Wednesday.
“We all know about Joey’s work ethic,” Bell said. “To even get into a position to have a chance to make it for Opening Day was incredible. It speaks to his dedication to the team and the organization, just how much he wanted to be able to play. I think it’s a really responsible decision. If he could do it, he would. I think that extra eight days – if that’s what it turns out to be – could really set Joey up to get off to a good start and have a good season. He gave it a great run, but what’s eight days? They are important games, but to have Joey healthy and playing the way he needs for the whole season is the main goal.”
Who will start at first base for the Reds on Opening Day?
The Reds have three primary candidates to play first base in Votto’s absence: Tyler Stephenson, Wil Myers and Jason Vosler. Stephenson is expected to regularly rotate between catcher, designated hitter and first base throughout the season. Myers played first base for the San Diego Padres at the end of last season and in the playoffs.
Vosler, a lefty hitter, was a nonroster invitee to camp. Putting him on the Opening Day roster, which appears more likely with Votto’s absence, will require a move to place him onto the organization’s 40-man roster. If the Reds don’t add Vosler, they won’t have a lefthanded-hitting catcher or infielder.
“That’s still to be determined,” Bell said of the plan for first base with Votto out. “We still have the two days here in Cincinnati to make some final roster decisions. A little bit early to really talk about that because it’s new information that we have to process and figure out.”
If Votto returns as quickly as hoped, he could join the Reds during their first road trip through Philadelphia and Atlanta.
“I’m eyeing as quickly as possible,” Votto said. “I think you have to spend a minimum of seven, eight days from the beginning of the season on the IL. Ideally, I’d be back as soon as that time is done.”
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