Reds fans will hate the timeline for Joey Votto's expected return to the big leagues

Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has been sidelined almost all season. After parting ways with the Reds this past offseason, Votto eventually agreed to a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. After growing up in Canada, it seemed like a fitting way for the six-time All-Star to end, what many believe to be, a Hall of Fame career.

But Votto had some hiccups along the way. After homering in his first at-bat for the Blue Jays organization during a spring training game in Florida, the 2010 NL MVP injured his ankle upon his return to the dugout. As it turned out, that would be Votto's only swing this spring and he'd been out of action for the majority of the season.

Votto, finally healthy, began a rehab assignment in the minor leagues with the Jays' Low-A affiliate in Dunedin back in June. After a 12-game stint, Votto was supposed to ramp up for a second-half debut with the big league club following his rehab assignment being transferred to Triple-A Buffalo. But another injury put Votto out once again, and the 40-year-old has yet to return to the field.

Will Joey Votto's return coincide with the Reds series vs. the Blue Jays?

However, despite not taking the field for the Buffalo Bisons, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Votto is telling friends that he expects to return to the big leagues in August. That's interesting, as the Reds are set to visit the Blue Jays on August 19th. Will Votto be back in time to face his old team?

There's arguably nothing Votto would like more than to show the Reds that they moved on too soon. After all, the Reds chose not to exercise Votto's $20 million option this past offseason and then didn't attempt to re-sign him once he entered free agency. That's got to sting a little, right?

But while Votto may relish the opportunity to stick it to the Reds, the Cincinnati faithful would likely prefer to see the longtime fan favorite just retire altogether having not worn another jersey during his major league career.

Mark your calendars, Reds fans. There's a game on Monday night in the middle of August that might be worth your attention.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors