Perhaps a rehab assignment is just what the doctor ordered for Joey Votto

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is back...sort of. The former MVP will be headed to the Derby City to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville. Votto has been on the IL for the last two weeks without a designation.

Votto has certainly not gotten off on the right foot in 2022. The 38-year-old was struggled mightily before going on the IL. Votto was 9-for-74 to begin the season with a .413 OPS and a batting average of just .122. Votto also has yet to homer this season after blasting 36 round trippers in 2021.

A rehab assignment might be just what the doctor ordered for Votto. The six-time All-Star was sent on a rehab assignment last season as well. Following his return from a broken a thumb, Votto erupted for his best season in quite some time. Should Reds fans expect similar results once his rehab assignment is complete?

Reds 1B Joey Votto went on a tear after his return from the IL last season.

Joey Votto appeared in six games for the Louisville Bats in 2021. In those six games, Votto hit .191 with four hits in 21 at-bats and recorded a double and triple before rejoining the big league club on June 8th against the Milwaukee Brewers.

It took Votto just two games back in the lineup to regain his swing and the Reds first baseman recorded his sixth home run of the season on June 10th last season. Votto would finish the season hitting .282/.396/.614 with 17 doubles, 31 home runs, and 81 runs batted in over the final 98 games of the 2021 season.

Will this trip to Triple-A Louisville help Joey Votto once again regain his swing. Votto has looked lost at times this season, sometimes even adjusting his batting stance multiple times during a game or even an at-bat.

The Cincinnati Reds are streaking right now, and while it sounds weird to say, this team needs Votto to return with that same elite-level of hitting the fans expect to see. Under no circumstances should Colin Moran be taking ABs away from Votto, but the Reds have some sound momentum going on right now and they need their leader to help elevate their hitting.

Joey Votto has already made FanGraphs' Dan Szymborski aware of his intentions for the remainder of the 2022 season, reminding him that there are five months left and to enjoy the show. Let's hope the fans in Louisville, Kentucky are treated to a show this evening and that Votto is back in the Reds starting lineup very