Correspondent Yoon-Jun Ko = Cincinnati Reds’ ‘franchise star’ Joey Votto is said to be uncertain when he will return next year.
Votto ended his 2022 season abruptly with a rotator cuff tear in his left shoulder that required surgery last August. Ultimately, he underwent surgery, and the club estimated a six-month rehabilitation period.
Here, Cincinnati expected that Votto would be ready before spring training, but Votto had a different idea.
Votto appeared on the local radio ‘700WW’ on the 5th (Korean time) and conducted an interview. He said, “I started batting practice, but it hasn’t gone well yet. He said he is doing well with his rehabilitation at the club, but preparing for a major league game is different.” 토토
“Honestly, this is my first experience. I’m trying to control my expectations. I’m always hopeful, but it’s hard to predict.”
Votto is a veteran first baseman who made his big league debut in 2007. He is evaluated as a Cincinnati franchise star succeeding Barry Larkin. He recorded a career batting average of 0.297, 342 homers, 1,106 RBIs, 1,145 points, and an OPS of 0.926, and was selected as the season MVP, Gold Glove, and All-Star six times.
He signed a 10-year, $225 million extension with Cincinnati in 2012. This is the final year of his guaranteed contract, with a $20 million club option for the 2024 season.
Votto is considered a perfect OPS hitter, but suffered the worst slump last year. He had a career-low season in most batting metrics with a batting average of 0.205, 11 homers, and 41 RBIs with an OPS of 0.689. In addition, there was an opinion that his career was virtually over when he suffered a shoulder injury.
“I am 100% sure that I will come back. But timing is an issue. I miss the time to play. I am always going through rehabilitation with hopeful thoughts, and I will return eventually.”