The Cincinnati Reds activate Joey Votto from the injured list

The Cincinnati Reds have activated first baseman Joey Votto from the injured list. Votto has been out with a broken thumb since May 7th – just over a full month. He has been rehabbing with the Louisville Bats for the last week, playing the last two games in the field. He is taking the spot on the 26-man roster of reliever Michael Feliz, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow injury.

Getting Joey Votto back could be a boost for the Reds offense. In his absence the Cincinnati first basemen have combined to hit .198/.317/.248 with just two doubles and one home run. That’s a .565 OPS. Even over the two weeks prior to the injury, when Votto was slumping, his OPS was .666…