Votto homers then hurts himself in Jays debut
Say this about 40-year-old Joey Votto: the Toronto native sure figured out a way to make a splash in his Blue Jays debut, good and bad.
The veteran first baseman hit a home run off of Philadelphia Phillies starter Zach Wheeler on the first pitch he saw in game action with the Jays, no doubt elevating the St. Patrick’s Day spirits of Canadian baseball fans.
Votto launched the Wheeler fastball over the wall in left centre field at Baycare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla. Given he’s in camp on a minor league deal, which amounts as a tryout to extend his decorated career, it was a rousing first impression.
Unfortunately for the sixtime all-star, the good vibes lasted just minutes. After returning to the dugout, Votto injured himself, scuttling his plans to play five innings as he works his way into game shape.
According to Mlb.com’s Keegan Matheson, Votto said he stepped on a bat in the Jays dugout and rolled his ankle. The hope from the team is that Votto’s status won’t linger. With an off-day scheduled for Monday, the team resumes its Grapefruit League schedule against the Baltimore Orioles on today at TD Ballpark.
Votto has acknowledged that his bid to return to the big leagues may require a stint in the minors as he works his way back into form. Most likely, Votto will be in competition with Daniel Vogelbach for a spot as a lefthanded bat on manager John Schneider’s bench.
Votto signed a one-year deal worth US$2 million should he crack the big-league roster, plus incentives that could max out at an additional US$2 million.