CINCINNATI (AP) — First baseman Joey Votto thinks he’s close to rejoining the Cincinnati Reds.
Votto took ground balls on the field Friday as part of his workout before the start of a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He’s had two operations since July 17 to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.
Votto was close to returning this month, but re-injured the knee while practicing sliding. He had another procedure on Aug. 10.
Votto said that it’s “not going to be too much longer” before he’s ready to play. The Reds have thrived since Votto got hurt, going 26-12 with a seven-game lead over second-place St. Louis in the NL Central.
The 2010 National League MVP was batting .342 with 14 homers and 49 RBIs when he got hurt.
