Losing Joey Votto Big Blow to Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are about to find out just how good they are. All-Star first baseman Joey Votto, who was playing like the odds-on favorite to win his second National League Most Valuable Player award, is injured and out of commission, likely for a month.

A twisted left knee necessitated arthroscopic surgery Tuesday and doctors say he will be on the shelf for three weeks to a month. That’s recovery time. Not included is time spent regaining his sharpness. Votto is the Reds leader on the field, even if he is quiet in the clubhouse, and no one player is going to replace his production.