Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto ticked off a career milestone in Tuesday's 11-10 loss to the Giants, going 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, two walks, and a strikeout. The opposite-field blast was the 350th of Votto's career. The veteran is now just the 16th player in MLB history with at least 350 HR, at least 2,000 hits, and an on-base percentage of at least .400. He hasn't hit for average but has provided extreme power since joining the team, slashing .213/.337/.573 with eight HR and 21 RBI in 89 plate appearances. While he may not be the dominant fantasy player he once was, he has put together a stellar career and may still be worth a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto made his lone hit count in Monday's 3-2 win over the Nationals, going 1-for-4 with what would be the game-deciding two-run home run. The veteran has shown some pop since rejoining the team, hitting four HR with a .462 slugging percentage in 47 plate appearances. However, he has batted just .154 with a 31.9% strikeout rate. It is great to see Votto back in the big leagues, but his time as a relevant fantasy option may be on the downslide.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is not in the lineup Monday night against left-handed starter Cole Irvin and the Baltimore Orioles. The presumed rest day comes one week after Votto made his 2023 debut, which was delayed due to a lengthy shoulder injury. The 2010 MVP started six consecutive games in the sixth spot of the order, racking up five hits, three walks, three homers, and six strikeouts in that short span of time. It makes sense that Votto's day off would coincide with a lefty on the mound, but it should be noted that he did return last Monday against a southpaw in Austin Gomber and then started again on Saturday against another in Jared Shuster. There doesn't seem to be a platoon in place for Votto at the moment, but we'll see if he can keep up these power numbers to maintain an everyday role for a young and talented Cincinnati squad. For now, fantasy managers can comfortably start the veteran at their corner infield or utility position whenever he's in the lineup.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto had a memorable return from the injured list in Monday's 5-4 win over the Rockies. The veteran went 2-for-3 with a single, a solo home run, three RBI, and a walk. While it was a great homecoming, Votto's fantasy value remains up in the air. He struggled in his rehab assignment and saw a significant dip in his production last season. Playing time may also be in question, as the Reds have a number of young players who are doing well. Votto's fantasy career has been top-notch, but fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach with him before coming to any decisions.

The Cincinnati Reds activated first baseman Joey Votto (biceps, shoulder) from the 60-day injured list on Monday, and he will be making his season debut against the Colorado Rockies and left-hander Austin Gomber. "I feel much more like myself," Votto said. In 22 total minor-league rehab games with Triple-A Louisville, the 39-year-old left-handed slugger hit just .173 (13-for-75) with three doubles, three home runs, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored in 97 plate appearances. The six-time All-Star and former MVP is no longer in his prime and probably isn't going to play every day for the Reds, at least early on as he gets acclimated to big-league pitching again. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues won't be running to the waiver wire to pick him up. He's currently only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (biceps, shoulder) had his best minor-league rehab performance on Thursday for Triple-A Louisville, going 2-for-2 with a solo home run, two runs scored and two walks. The veteran left-handed slugger has now cleared the fences twice on his rehab assignment in his last five games, and he's getting closer to making his season debut for the Reds. The 39-year-old has taken a while to recover after having surgery on his left bicep and shoulder in the offseason, but he appears to be fully healthy now. The six-time All-Star clearly isn't in his prime anymore after hitting .205 with 11 homers and 41 RBI in 91 games in 2022, but he should at least see partial playing time at first base and designated hitter when he returns to Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman/designated hitter Joey Votto (shoulder) went 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, two runs scored, two walks, and a strikeout in a minor league rehab game with Triple-A Louisville. The 39-year-old has been out all season while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and still doesn't have a timetable to return to the Reds. It doesn't sound like they're in a rush to bring him back but it's nice to see him perform well at the dish.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (shoulder) is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment in Triple-A Louisville on Saturday. The veteran slugger has been sidelined all season while he works his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. He played in 10 rehab games in April, but was shut down due to an injury setback. The Reds don't have a timetable for Votto's return yet, but that should be coming shortly. It's great to hear that the 39-year-old is heading in the right direction now.

The Cincinnati Reds placed outfielder TJ Friedl (oblique) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to May 12) with a left oblique strain on Monday and also moved first baseman Joey Votto (biceps, shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. Additionally, the Reds recalled infielder Matt McLain from Triple-A Louisville and put left-hander Brandon Williamson on the taxi squad. Friedl injured himself last Thursday and will now miss some time. The 27-year-old was off to a fine start in 2023, hitting .306 with three long balls, 18 RBI, four steals and 13 runs scored, so he's worth hanging onto in deeper leagues. Stuart Fairchild and Jose Barrero should see more chances for playing time with Friedl out. Votto, who hasn't played yet this year, took live batting practice over the weekend and could start a minor-league rehab assignment soon.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (biceps, shoulder) made his way to the club's Triple-A facility in Louisville to face live pitching, according to MLB.com. The veteran of 16 seasons has been sidelined for the entire 2023 season due to offseason shoulder surgery. Votto started a rehab assignment in April, but the team sent him back to Cincinnati after they felt it was rushed. There is still no timetable for his return, but when he is back, fantasy managers are hoping he can produce more than last season. In 2022, he slashed .205/.319/.370 with 11 long balls, 31 runs, and 41 RBI over 91 games. Fantasy managers can stash the 39-year-old if there's room on the injured list, but he probably isn't worth taking up a roster spot in shallower leagues.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (biceps, shoulder) was sent out on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Saturday. Votto began the 2023 regular season on the 10-day injured list after having surgery to fix a torn left biceps and torn left rotator cuff in August of last year. If the 39-year-old left-handed slugger looks good on his rehab assignment and can avoid any setbacks, he could be activated from the injured list when he's eligible in early April. Votto should be better in 2023 if he's fully healthy, but fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect much from the aging star, especially with little protection around him in Cincy's lineup.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (shoulder) confirmed that he will begin the season on the injured list. The 39-year-old continues to work his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. Votto will head to Triple-A to finish his rehab until he feels ready to rejoin the big league roster. The left-handed slugger was able to play in eight games this spring, so hopefully he won't need much more time. The hope is that Votto will be back with the team in mid-April. The expectation is that Wil Myers will likely get a majority of the reps at first base until Votto is back.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (biceps, shoulder) is making his spring debut in the team's Cactus League game on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Dustin May. Votto is starting at first base and batting second in the lineup. He missed the end of the 2022 season due to a torn rotator cuff and left biceps injury, so he's been brought along slowly this spring. It remains to be seen if the 39-year-old will be ready for the start of the regular season, but one thing is for sure: fantasy managers shouldn't count on Votto returning to his old self. He won't have much help around him in the lineup and he hit just 11 home runs in 2022 after clubbing 36 the year prior. Votto still has excellent plate discipline, but it would be unwise to bank on his power returning to All-Star form.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (biceps, shoulder) had a few plate appearances in one of the team's minor-league games at spring training on Friday. Votto is not expected to be ready for Opening Day this year after he had surgery on his left biceps and on a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder last August. The 39-year-old Canadian slugger hit just .205/.319/.370 with a career-low .689 OPS, 11 home runs, 41 RBI and 31 runs scored in 376 plate appearances and 91 games for the Reds last year. It came a year after he hit 36 home runs, but it's likely that his injuries took a toll on him at the plate before he underwent surgery. Better numbers could be in store if he's healthy this year, but there's more injury risk as well as a poor lineup around him in Cincy. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a return to the glory days for Votto at this point in his career.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (shoulder) is unsure if he'll be ready for spring training, which begins in about six weeks, after he had surgery to fix a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder and damage to his bicep nearly five months ago. Votto has taken swings in a batting cage recently, but his shoulder isn't fully recovered. The 39-year-old veteran is also entering the last guaranteed year of his contract. He's owed $25 million in 2023 and has a $20 million club option with a $7 million buyout for 2024. Votto had the worst offensive season in his career in 2022 while playing through his shoulder injury, with a career-low .205 average, 11 home runs, 41 RBI and a .319 on-base percentage in 91 games. He's expected to be the everyday first baseman in 2023 when he's healthy, but it's anyone's guess when that will be.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (shoulder) has opted to undergo surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. The surgery will take place on Friday. The expected recovery timeline for Votto is about six months, meaning that his 2022 campaign has come to an end. The 38-year-old appeared in 91 games this year and had a tough time at the plate, slashing just .205/.319/.370 with 11 home runs, 41 RBI and 31 runs. Assuming he can stick to a timeline of about six months, he should be ready to return around the start of spring training next year, ahead of what will be his 17th year in the majors.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is not in the starting lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies and left-hander Ranger Suarez on Wednesday. Votto, who has gone just 7-for-51 (.137) with a homer, three RBI and 13 strikeouts in 14 games this month, is getting a day off amidst a slump. The 38-year-old left-handed hitter has really struggled all year, slashing .205/.319/.370 with 11 home runs, 41 RBI and 31 runs scored in 376 plate appearances over 91 games played. He's hitless in his last five games. Matt Reynolds is starting at first base and batting cleanup against Suarez on Wednesday. Reynolds occupies a nice spot in the lineup, but he's gone 14-for-62 (.226) with one of his three home runs against southpaws in 2022.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (back) remains out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The lefty slugger sat out both games of the doubleheader on Thursday. This marks the fifth game in a row that Votto has missed due to lingering back tightness. Possibly, the Reds decide to place Votto on the injured list, assuming he doesn't feel better soon. In the meantime, Brandon Drury will cover first base and bat second versus lefty Shane McClanahan on Friday. Fantasy managers should avoid Drury for his tough matchup. Hopefully, Votto will be able to avoid a trip to the injured list.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (back) will sit out of the starting lineup once again for Game 2 of a doubleheader on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Votto will miss his fourth straight game while dealing with back tightness, and there is still a chance that he'll need a trip to the injured list if he doesn't improve soon. The 38-year-old veteran got off to an extremely cold start this year and hasn't really bounced back, as he's hitting .210/.332/.374 overall with six home runs, 25 RBI and 22 runs scored in 253 plate appearances and 62 games. Mike Moustakas is starting at first base again and will hit sixth against Pirates right-hander Bryse Wilson in Game 2. Moose went 1-for-3 with a walk and strikeout in Game 1 and is hitting only .210 in 2022.