Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has taken over 7,700 MLB at-bats, and the 15-year veteran said he only remembered being hit in the hand once before Wednesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
But Votto checked his swing in the fourth inning on Wednesday off a change-up by Dallas Keuchel, and an 80-mph pitch connected with Votto’s thumb. Votto fractured his left thumb on the 61st hit-by-pitch of his career, and Votto is expected to miss three or four weeks.
“I'm surprised it took this long, to be honest with you,” Votto said. “I think I have 10,000 professional plate appearances in that range, so .