SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – Playing in a spring training game for the first time in 19 days, Joey Votto felt “a little bit rusty,” but he felt good enough that he planned to be back in the lineup the following day.
Votto, who returned to Reds camp last Sunday, played five full innings on Friday. He struck out twice and drew a walk in his three plate appearances. He fielded a ground ball from the first batter in the first inning and he caught a pop-up.
It’s uncertain whether he will be ready for Opening Day but playing in a spring training game Friday was an important step.