Saturday, Votto made his Cactus League debut after being held out of the first four games of the Reds’ spring schedule. Everything appears to be going according to plan, at least where Votto’s health is concerned.
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From the Cincinnati Enquirer’s C. Trent Rosecrans :
The 2010 National League MVP went 1-for-2 in his spring debut, batting second and playing three innings at first base.
“It felt good to get back out there and to get back to work and play with my teammates,” Votto said, per Rosecrans.
In only 62 games in 2014, Votto wasn’t his usual self, hitting .255 with just six home runs and 23 RBIs. For the sake of comparison, his career batting average is an impressive .310. For the Reds to compete in the competitive NL Central, they will presumably need their four-time All-Star to be a productive force in the heart of the lineup.
There will surely be plenty more talk leading up to opening day about Votto’s role on the team relative to his massive contract. For now, the Reds have to be pleased just to see their star player healthy and back on the diamond.
