For the first time since 2008, a stretch of 14 consecutive seasons, Joey Votto won’t be written into the Cincinnati Reds’ Opening Day lineup.
Votto announced Monday he will begin a Triple-A rehab assignment on Friday when Louisville opens the season in Nashville. He won’t be eligible to return to the majors until April 6 at the earliest.
“What led me to that decision was just not being ready,” Votto said. “Starting a good bit behind during spring training. Still working through some of the rehab process. Not accumulating enough time in the field. Not accumulating enough at-bats.