Joey Votto's injury may thrust Trey Mancini onto Reds roster quicker than anticipated

The Cincinnati Reds received some difficult news on Thursday. After exiting the game against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, Joey Votto was placed on the 10-day IL with shoulder discomfort.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Votto is expected to return in early-September. However, given that Votto underwent surgery to repair the same shoulder about a year ago, there's certainly skepticism surrounding the timetable for his return.

In the meantime, Reds fans can expect Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and perhaps even Spencer Steer to fill in at first base. Votto had already been splitting time with Encarnacion-Strand this season. But the recently signed veteran bat of Trey Mancini may soon be on his way as well.

Joey Votto's injury may thrust Trey Mancini onto Reds roster quicker than anticipated.

The Cincinnati Reds inked Trey Mancini to a minor-league contract earlier this week after the 31-year-old was dumped by the Chicago Cubs. Mancini, who had had plenty of success with the Baltimore Orioles, did not share that same level of production in the Windy City.

Mancini was hitting .234/.299/.336 on the season with four home runs and 28 RBI to his name. Prior to this season, however, Mancini hit .265/.330/.457 with 125 home runs and received AL Rookie of the Year consideration in 2017.

Mancini played his first game for the Cincinnati Reds organization on Thursday night with the Louisville Bats and made his presence felt rather quickly. Mancini smashed a home run over the fence in right field during his first at-bat. Mancini launched another moon shot into the seats and ended his night going 3-for-4 with three RBI.

While not necessarily an upgrade defensively, Trey Mancinin can also play on the outfield grass. His defensive flexibility, veteran leadership, and consistency against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers may see Mancini make a beeline to the big league with Joey Votto on the IL.