This Reds player will lose his roster spot when Joey Votto returns from the IL

All signs point to Joey Votto returning to the Cincinnati Reds active roster on Monday.

The former NL MVP, who has been on a rehab assignment with the Louisville Bats recently, exited Sunday's game and posted a "thank you" message on Instagram to everyone who's helped him get back on the field and in a position to where he believes he can compete at the highest level.

The Reds need to open a spot on the 40-man roster (perhaps by DFA'ing a relief pitcher or outfielder Michael Siani), and will need to subtract someone from the active roster as well. Who's most likely to lose their spot on the 26-man roster once Votto is activated from the IL?

Stuart Fairchild will lose his Reds roster spot when Joey Votto returns from the IL.

While there's a certain segment of the Cincinnati Reds fanbase that aren't looking forward to Joey Votto's return, he's coming back whether you like it or not. Votto is in the final year of his 10-year contract extension and has a team-option for the 2024 season as well.

Furthermore, Reds Country should expect Votto to play almost every day. Where Votto hits in the batting order and how much time he actually sees at first base are questions that can be asked. But the Cincinnati faithful should expect to see Votto on David Bell's lineup nearly every day, regardless of who's toeing the rubber for the oppostion. He's earned that much.

Votto's upcoming activation is likely to cost Stuart Fairchild his spot on the 26-man roster. Fairchild has minor league options remaining, and can easily be sent back to Triple-A Louisville without disrupting much of the team's chemistry.

Fairchild missed a couple games with a neck injury, and could be a candidate to land on the 10-day IL rather than being optioned. The 27-year-old has plenty of power and speed, but is hitting .208/.297/.438 in his last 15 appearances.

Jonathan India exited Sunday's game against the Houston Astros after a collision at second base saw Jeremy Pena slide into the infielder's ankle. India may wind up on IL which would also open up a spot on the 26-man roster. But the former NL Rookie of the Year said in a postgame interview that he expects to play on Monday.