Reds news: Joey Votto placed on the injured list

Reds first baseman Joey Votto was placed on the IL this morning.

The Cincinnati Reds placed first baseman Joey Votto on the injured list and reinstated right-handed pitcher Anthony DeSclafani from the 10-day IL. According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Votto allegedly self-reported symptoms of COVID-19 and the team placed him on the injured list out of an abundance of caution.

Rosecrans’ source said that there is no positive test and Votto will likely miss a minimum of two days, which, given today’s doubleheader will be the equivalent of three games. The Cincinnati Reds are slated for a twin billing in Detroit against the Tigers today and tomorrow’s series opener against the Cleveland Indians.

Joey Votto is the fourth member of the Reds to self-report symptoms and miss time because of it. Matt Davidson, Nick Senzel and Mike Moustakas all missed several games over the last week. All three had multiple negative tests, but they were held out for several games.

Votto started off the 2020 season with a bang, going 2-for-4 with a home run in Cincinnati’s Opening Day victory against Detroit. Votto went 2-for-4 the following night with another home run. Then, Votto, like the Reds of the Reds offense, hit a wall. Since the first two games of the season, Votto has gone 3-for-19 with no extra base hits.

Votto was replaced in Sunday’s lineup by second-year player Josh VanMeter. VanMeter is one of David Bell’s most versatile position players and is likely to see ample time at first base during Votto’s absence. Davidson, now back with the team, is also an option to fill in at first base.

Hopefully Joey Votto is healthy, clears all the necessary hurdles and returns to the team in a few short days. Until then, the Reds will have to make do without the six-time All-Star and former MVP. Cincinnati is off to a 2-5 start, which doesn’t bode well for their playoff chances.