Cincinnati Reds injury news: The latest update on Joey Votto

DENVER — Before the start of a three-game road series against the Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell provided an update to members of the media on injured All-Star Joey Votto.

Cincinnati Reds injury news: The latest update on Joey Votto

Earlier on Monday, the Reds moved Votto to the 60-day injured list with injuries to his left biceps as well as left rotator cuff surgeries. The 39-year-old Votto underwent surgery on August 19, ending his 2022 season after just 91 frustrating games where he slashed just .205/.319/.370.

Votto’s move to the 60-day injured list didn’t indicate that anything had changed in his recovery, Bell said.

“He’s still, probably the best word to use is just still recovering and building back to the point of (where) his shoulder can withstand the grind of playing and allow him to be able to do what he needs to do in the field and mostly at the plate,” Bell said. “He’s just not there yet. I don’t think the 60-day, that’s not going to change the timing.

“Nothing’s changed. He’s still still not there yet. He’s doing everything he possibly can to get there.”

Bell indicated that Votto had taken some live batting practice and that it went okay, but there was no date determined for Votto to start playing in games. With that, there is also no timetable for Votto to return to the Reds lineup.

Votto is in the final season of a 10-year, $225 million deal, with a team option for 2024. Last season, Votto not only endured injury, but also an extremely rough start to the season for him and the team, with Cincinnati starting the season 4-23 before finishing with a 62-100 record. Votto, however, tried to make the best of the situation, with his personality shining through in the Field of Dreams Game against the Chicago Cubs and spending some time with fans in the stands during a Reds game.