Votto vows to return strong: ‘If not, I’m going to retire’

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — There are solely a number of questions remaining concerning the composition of the Reds’ Opening Day roster. Easily the most important one left is the standing of first baseman Joey Votto.

No choice has been made but about whether or not Votto can be prepared when the Reds host the Pirates on Thursday’s Opening Day at Great American Ball Park. He has spent Spring Training preparing for the season whereas nonetheless rehabilitating from August surgical procedure that repaired a torn rotator cuff and biceps in his left shoulder.

Votto, 39, was the designated hitter in Saturday’s spring contest in opposition to the White Sox and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in 5 innings. He is batting .182/.308/.227 in eight video games this spring. Before the sport, he spoke at size concerning the points concerned with the choice.

Endurance: Has Votto collected sufficient innings and at-bats?

Votto performed seven innings in every of his final three video games getting into the night time.

“I haven’t played any nine-inning games,” Votto mentioned. “We play every day. We play a nine-inning game every single day for six months. … More than anything, I’m coming back from a surgery that involves a longer rehab. I want to make sure I am fully prepared when I come back.”

With just one recreation left within the Cactus League schedule on Sunday, Votto does not have time to play full video games with the large league membership, although there are intrasquad video games scheduled on Monday and Wednesday in Cincinnati. He might additionally stay in Arizona and play in Minor League video games. 

“There is a reason guys ramp up and do the three out of four days, seven innings, nine innings and they do that for a stretch of time,” Votto mentioned. “I’m happy about the progress. My swing doesn’t feel ready yet. My legs don’t feel ready yet. But I’m working hard defensively, on the bases and in competition to be back as soon as possible.”

The choice is not tied to getting further at-bats in Minor League video games, the place the principles might be relaxed to let Votto lead off each inning.

“As far as the Minor League at-bats, that’s not how preparation works,” Votto mentioned. “Preparing for a season is tied to adapting to the speed and volume, building up stamina, building up the capacity to handle consistent consecutive work in a variety of climates. That’s the objective of Spring Training.” 

Votto have to be recreation prepared when he debuts within the common season.

Votto famous that in current days, he confronted Dustin May from the Dodgers and Andrés Muñoz and Paul Sewald from the Mariners and bought a reminder of how briskly the sport might be. When he does debut in 2023, he should really feel absolutely ready.

“The second you get put into that first lineup, you’re not in rehab mode,” Votto mentioned. “You’re not in ‘let’s pace him’ mode. I have the responsibility of coming back and being able to answer the lineup every day, be available for any pinch-hit, defensive switch, what have you, and then run it back each and every day for the rest of the season. That’s exactly what I’m preparing for. … I’m trying to move toward that, I feel like I’m getting closer toward that.”

Manager David Bell trusts Votto’s opinion within the last choice. 

Bell has had conversations with Votto all through camp about his standing. He says the veteran may have “huge input” within the end result. 

“Joey is in a different situation because of who he is. He’s earned it, he just knows himself,” Bell mentioned. “He’s been doing this a long time and has been one of the best ever at it. I’m going to trust what he’s saying as far as how he’s feeling and how ready he is and all that.”

Votto’s standing does have an effect on the make-up of the 26-man Opening Day roster. Jason Vosler, a nook infielder, nonetheless stays in camp and the ultimate place spot on the roster seems to be between Vosler and outfielder Henry Ramos. Both are non-roster gamers.

Playing effectively for Cincinnati is an enormous deal.

Entering the ultimate season of the 10-year, $225 million contract extension he signed in 2012, Votto is coming off the worst offensive 12 months of his profession. Over 91 video games, he batted .205 with a .689 OPS, 11 residence runs and 41 RBIs. 

Having the same season, particularly as soon as wholesome, wouldn’t be acceptable.

“I mean this, seriously, I think I’m going to play well,” Votto mentioned. “I think I’m going to perform well offensively. If not, I’m going to retire. End of story.”

Votto has been on 15 Reds Opening Day rosters and is tied for fourth all-time with Johnny Bench with 14 profession Opening Day begins. 

“I recognize that being a part of Opening Day is important in our city. I recognize that I’ve been there for a while and the fans’ expectations are. I will always want to meet them,” Votto mentioned. “I just want to make sure that I’m clear that this is a performance-based game. You have to do your job. And I can’t come back early and tank and embarrass our organization.”