Joey Votto recovering from surgery, may be delayed in spring training

On Jan 6, 2023

Joey Votto underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder and damage to his bicep nearly five months ago, and there is still uncertainty whether he will be ready for the start of the 2023 season.

Votto, who joined 700-WLW’s “Hot Stove League” radio show Wednesday, posted videos on his Instagram taking swings in a batting cage, but his shoulder isn’t fully recovered.

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“It’s going to take time, I’m realizing now,” Votto said. “I’m hitting off an arm and I just started hitting off a machine a little bit, but it’s not quite there. I’ve been told by people that I’m doing very well in my rehab, but there is a difference between doing well and being ready for a Major League game if that makes sense.”

Votto was asked whether he thought he’d be ready for the start of spring training, which will begin in about six weeks in Arizona.

“I’m not willing to make that prediction just because I don’t know,” Votto said. “I don’t know. I’ve never experienced anything like this, and I try to manage my expectations. I’m hopeful. I’m always hopeful, of course, but that’s where my head is at.”

Joey Votto entering the last year of his Cincinnati Reds contract

The 39-year-old Votto is entering the last guaranteed season of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds after signing a 10-year, $225 million extension. He’s owed $25 million this year with a $20 million club option and $7 million buyout for the 2024 season.

Votto had the worst offensive season of his career in 2022 as he tried to play through his shoulder injury. He had a career-low .205 batting average with 11 homers, 41 RBI and a .319 on-base percentage in 91 games.

“Truly, I didn’t play well enough to even justify a starting job,” he said.

It was a steep decline after Votto had a resurgent 2021 season, which netted him downballot votes for National League MVP. The Reds believe injuries are to blame for his struggles last season and he’s expected to be the everyday starter at first base when he’s healthy.

Still, it’s an extensive injury and some notable hitters slumped in their first year following shoulder surgeries.

Votto says he’s chatted with other athletes who have experienced similar surgeries.

“They just tell me to keep plugging away and that this is the nature of this particular surgery,” Votto said. “They are not easy, but that’s OK. I didn’t sign up for easy, I signed up for healthy. I’m going to just keep plugging away at it. I’m looking forward to playing. I miss playing. I miss playing well. I think that with two healthy arms I’m going to be able to play well again. I don’t have very much doubt about that.”

Votto has yet to begin much defensive work this winter.

“My arm is not completely ready,” Votto said. “I can catch a ball, don’t get me wrong, but as far as the more aggressive diving, fielding, I’m not quite there yet. I’m able to do some of the basics, but not the extreme.”

Votto expects to feel 100% once he’s recovered, but doctors and other athletes with similar injuries emphasized it will take time. He admits there has been “frustration” and “much pain” during his rehab, but this has been his top focus for months.

Joey Votto not thinking about Reds record predictions

The Reds, meanwhile, remain in a rebuild and are viewed as one of the worst teams in the league. ESPN recently projected the club to win 60 games, the fewest in the majors.

Could that be a motivational tool for the upcoming season?

“Not really, to be honest with you,” Votto said. “If you need someone or some outside opinion to dictate whether or not you put a certain amount of effort in, it seems like maybe you’re the problem and not them. It shouldn’t matter whether someone is bearish on our team or they feel like we’re going to repeat 100 losses.