Reds’ Votto might begin season on injured list
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – It's uncertain whether Joey Votto will be starting at first base when the Cincinnati Reds begin their season Thursday.
Votto has played for nearly two weeks in spring training games, but he's still in the process of accumulating at-bats and defensive innings to reach the point where he feels ready for the start of the regular season. Votto is recovering from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.
Votto sounded Saturday like a player who recognizes he may begin the season on the injured list. The Reds trust Votto's judgment on how prepared he feels for the season and will likely wait to make a final determination until rosters are due Thursday.
“I recognize being a part of opening
day is important in our city,” Votto said. “I recognize I've been there for a while and the fans' expectations … I will always want to meet them. That being said, I have to make sure that I prepare for a long season. I have to make sure that I'm healthy, so that I can perform well and be a valuable member of this team.
“I just want to make sure I'm clear: This is a performance-based game. You have to do your job. And I can't come back early, tank and embarrass our organization. I have to come back, perform well and be healthy.”
The 39-year-old Votto, who is in the last guaranteed year of his Reds contract, remains confident he will play well this year. He's coming off the worst offensive season of his career, though playing through his injuries for more than a month likely played a significant part in his statistical decline.
“I've done really well with my offensive work,” Votto said. “I mean this, seriously, I think I'm going to play well. I think I'm going to perform well offensively. If not, I'm going to retire. End of story.”