Votto 'doing great' with offseason rehab work

CINCINNATI -- While the Reds search to add offense during the offseason, they know they will still need their best hitter -- Joey Votto -- to be healthy and ready for next season.

So far this winter, Votto appears to be progressing in the right direction after missing most of the 2014 season with a distal strain of the quadriceps near his left knee.

"Joey is doing great. We're getting good reports," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said.

With two stints on the disabled list, Votto was limited to 62 games and did not play at all after July 5. He batted .255/.390/.409 with six home runs and 23 RBIs in 272 plate appearances.

By the end of the season, Votto's rehab had progressed to the point where he could perform baseball activities. He took batting practice, fielded grounders and ran the bases.

Video: CIN@CHC: Votto takes BP for first time since July

Votto, 31, has continued his rehab and workouts in his hometown of Toronto.

"[Strength and conditioning coach] Sean Marohn has checked in with him and has been up to see him," Jocketty said. "He said it's going well."

Votto has a career hitting line of .310/.417/.533 with 163 homers and 553 RBIs over eight seasons. He has nine more seasons and $206 million remaining on the contract extension he signed in April 2012, plus a $20 million club option for the 2024 season.