HOUSTON — Joey Votto hinted that his rehab stint at Triple-A Louisville would soon be over with an Instagram video he posted Saturday of himself driving a bus, seemingly heading back to Cincinnati. On Sunday, Votto released a more serious message in which he made it clear he was ready to return to the Reds.
Votto noted that on Monday it had been exactly 10 months since his left shoulder surgery on August 19, which repaired his torn rotator cuff and biceps, and thanked numerous people on his return journey. He showed appreciation to his surgeons, physical therapists, coaches and teammates.
“My time in Louisville was excellent,” Votto said on Instagram from the Louisville clubhouse. “I’m grateful, grateful for my teammates.” Grateful, grateful for my time here. Everyone gave us a friendly welcome. Thank you very much. I can’t wait to return to Cincinnati. I miss you all and hope to see you soon.”
As of Sunday afternoon, no official roster change had been announced by the Reds, who open a three-game series against the Rockies on Monday at Great American Ball Park.
The 39-year-old Votto averaged .167 with two homers, a double and five RBIs in his second rehab in 12 games with Louisville. He left Sunday’s game against St. Paul after going 0-1 with a walk in two plate appearances.
Reports on his games were positive, and Votto himself commented before leaving for Louisville that he had more range of motion and less discomfort in his shoulder than when he first went to rehab, which ended on April 15.
In the final guaranteed year of his 10-year, $225 million contract, Votto has a $20 million club option for 2024 that includes a $7 million buyout.
The Reds have been adding players back to their squad in recent days. Utility player Nick Senzel returned from the injured list on Friday and outfielder Jake Fraley was activated on Sunday.
But it’s welcome to have Votto, a veteran team leader and one of the few players in the clubhouse with post-season experience with the Reds. Cincinnati are on an eight-game winning streak in 10 innings after beating the Astros 9-7 on Sunday and are on the right track with a club full of younger players.
“It’s amazing. It just keeps getting better,” Fraley said. “Another guy who understands this aspect of culture and has been a part of it and built it.” Having a guy like that in the clubhouse will only make things better .”