It wasn’t that long ago that Joey Votto was one of the talks at the Cincinnati Reds Camp. The 37-year-old 1B had come to camp with a continuation of the revamped batting style that had successfully closed the 2020 season and even had a hot start to the Cactus League.
It raised hopes that his career might see a renaissance after a few years that were left behind. Then, of course, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to withdraw from the Reds’ camp to question whether he would be ready for opening day and whether he would face any more serious complications.
Fortunately, he already appears to be back in the Reds’ camp when The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans delivered on Sunday.
Joey Votto has returned to #Reds Camp, announced the team
– C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) March 21, 2021
Votto will be back in action as expected, but it’s still possible he’ll be ready to face the St. Louis Cardinals on April 1st, opening day.
On other news, the Reds announced another round of cuts from camp, including a pair of players who had received some reps at 1B in Votto’s place.
Scott Heineman is the most notable of the duo for having shown enough versatility and pop at camp to make the team’s OD list, including some work at 1B. Perhaps it is also something that complicates Rosecrans, complicates his situation. That said, the Reds are still not sure what option status a trio of important pieces has in Aristides Aquino, Jose De Leon, and Cionel Perez, messages that make roster making incredibly difficult at the height of the regular season.
There is a flurry of movements this Sunday, but those that are broadly positive news for the Reds.
Welcome back, Joey.
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