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Joey Votto of the Blue Jays is nearing a return from injury

Joey Votto of the Blue Jays is nearing a return from injury

June 12, 2024

In a season that’s been short on positive news, the Toronto Blue Jays are close to getting something to celebrate.

On Wednesday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed to reporters that potential future Hall-of-Famer Joey Votto has made “the most progress in quite some time.”

“He’s actually getting pretty close to playing in (minor-league) games,” Schneider added.

The Toronto-native signed with the Blue Jays in March to a minor-league deal after spending 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. The 40-year-old joined the Canadian team for spring training in Dunedin, Fla.

In Votto’s first preseason at-bat for the Blue Jays, he homered the very first pitch he saw from Philadelphia Phillies star Zack Wheeler. However, the excitement was short-lived as he stepped on a bat and rolled his right ankle shortly thereafter.

In May, Schneider said that Votto prefers to take things slow to ensure he’s putting himself in the best position to succeed.

“He was pretty adamant about being 100 per cent physically before he really stepped on the gas,” Schneider recalled. “So, I think, out of fairness to him, (he expressed) that even when he came in, before he got hurt. It was just like, ‘I want to make sure that I’m really ready before I go.’”

After missing significant time due to a thumb injury, Joey Votto of the Toronto Blue Jays is finally nearing a return to the lineup. The star first baseman has been sidelined since early August, but recent reports indicate that he is making progress in his recovery and could be back on the field in the coming weeks.

Votto’s absence has been felt by the Blue Jays, as he is one of the team’s most consistent hitters and a key leader in the clubhouse. His return will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to the lineup and help bolster the team’s chances of making a playoff push in the final stretch of the season.

The 38-year-old veteran has been a mainstay in the Blue Jays lineup since being acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds in 2021. Known for his keen eye at the plate and ability to get on base, Votto has been a valuable asset to the team both on and off the field.

While there is still no official timetable for Votto’s return, the fact that he is nearing a comeback is certainly encouraging news for Blue Jays fans. With the team currently sitting in a tight race for a playoff spot, having Votto back in the lineup could be just what they need to make a strong push towards October.

In the meantime, Votto continues to work diligently with the team’s medical staff to ensure that he is fully recovered and ready to contribute when he does make his return. His dedication to his rehab and commitment to getting back on the field as soon as possible is a testament to his work ethic and determination.

As the Blue Jays gear up for the final stretch of the season, all eyes will be on Joey Votto and his impending return. His presence in the lineup could be the difference-maker for the team as they look to secure a spot in the postseason and make a run at a championship.