The #BlueJays have transferred Joey Votto to the Florida Complex League on a rehab assignment. We’ll get an update from John Schneider later today, but it sounds like the long wait for Votto to play in games is finally ending.
Joey Votto is on a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League
Photo credit: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2024, 13:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 17, 2024, 15:57 EDT
He’s back.
According to numerous sources, Joey Votto is back in game action on Monday, having been transferred to the Florida Complex League Jays on a rehab assignment.
In fact, he even came in to replace Maykel Minoso, flying out for his first plate appearance with his hometown organization.
Well, not quite his first. Votto only had one plate appearance with the Toronto Blue Jays during Spring Training, hitting a home run that just barely went over the wall. Sadly, later in that game he stepped on a loose bat in the dugout, causing an ankle injury.
It was reported that it would be a day-to-day injury, but days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and finally, Votto is seemingly healthy and ready to begin his Blue Jays career.
Joey Votto is still day-to-day with his ankle, said John Schneider, but is "doing better every day. He's doing a little bit more activity today."
Votto is one of the best first basemen of all time, slashing .294/.409/.511 with 356 home runs in 8746 career plate appearances. On top of that, he’s always had a great eye at the plate, posting a career 15.6 BB% along with an 18.8 K% for a 145 wRC+ and a 58.8 fWAR.
However, his last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds didn’t go great, as he slashed .204/.317/.394 with 25 homers in 618 plate appearances, along with an 11.5 BB% and a 25.7 K% for a 95 wRC+. On top of subpar play, Votto missed time with injuries in both 2022 and 2023.
Votto’s last great season came in 2021, where he slashed .266/.375/.563 with 36 home runs (one shy of his career-high) in 533 plate appearances, along with a 14.4 BB% and a 23.8 K% for a 140 wRC+ and a 3.5 fWAR.
It’s no question that Votto has declined, which makes sense given he’s 40, but there are questions about where Votto fits in with the Jays. First base is covered by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., with Spencer Horwitz being the left-handed batter to fill in at the position. Toronto’s designated hitter is Justin Turner, who can also fill in at first base.
So, unless the Jays send down one of the younger players, namely Spencer Horwitz or Addison Barger, it’s hard to see the Jays finding a spot for Votto.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
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