NewsVotto's progress leads him to Dayton
Reds 2008 first-round Draft pick Alonso breaks hand
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
06/19/09 6:53 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- The Joey Votto rehab tour is headed for its next stop. "I think he's leaving today to go to [Class A] Dayton," Reds manager Dusty Baker said Friday. |
Votto spent the last two days in Sarasota, Fla., where the Reds have their Spring Training operations. On Friday afternoon, he had six plate appearances over six innings during an extended spring intrasquad scrimmage vs. rookie league players. He went 2-for-4 with a double, single, two walks and three steals. On Thursday night with Class A Sarasota, the first baseman was 0-for-2 with a walk.
All of the reports were positive. "He felt good," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "That means his legs must be feeling good," Baker said of the steals. "It doesn't really matter [the level], just as long as he's playing. He's playing and getting some reps. That means he's on the way." Sarasota is currently off for the Florida State League All-Star Game. Dayton is home this weekend but then breaks beginning Monday for the Midwest League All-Star Game. Double-A Carolina will be at home for five games starting on Monday. "We'll have to talk with him and see," Jocketty said. "He'll probably be out on a rehab for a while. He'll probably move up a level or two." The Reds appear to be targeting June 30 as a potential return date for Votto, who has been on the disabled list since May 30 because of a stress-related issue that has remained undisclosed. Carolina is down a first baseman after 2008 first-round Draft pick Yonder Alonso broke the hamate bone in his right hand. It happened while swinging at a pitch in the nightcap of a doubleheader at Tennessee on Thursday. Alonso was placed on Carolina's disabled list and could be out 4-6 weeks. "We'll probably bring him here to be looked at," Jocketty said. "That usually requires surgery, but I haven't heard for sure yet." In other injury news, starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (right elbow tendinitis) threw 30 pitches from flat ground and also long tossed for 15 minutes on Friday afternoon. It was the latest test for Volquez, who has not pitched since he lasted one inning on June 1 before going on the DL. "He did good," pitching coach Dick Pole said. Pole was planning on meeting with head trainer Mark Mann to determine when Volquez can begin throwing off a mound in a bullpen session.Shortstop Alex Gonzalez was scratched from Friday's opener against the White Sox with a tight right elbow. Paul Janish started in his place.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
