Votto beginning baseball activity in recovery

CINCINNATI -- Joey Votto was departing from his locker on Tuesday with a bat in one hand and a ball and glove under his arm.

It was a pretty safe sign that baseball-related activity has commenced for the injured Reds first baseman.

"I'm taking some dry swings and throwing," said Votto, who has been limited to 62 games this season because of a distal strain of his left quadriceps. He went on the disabled list for a second time on July 8.

Dry swings are simply swinging the bat without trying to hit a ball. Votto said he has been taking the bat around with him wherever he goes. He might take a swing here and there during breaks in the weight room or rehab.

"You can't go from zero to 100 at once," Votto said.

Votto can be activated from the 60-day DL as soon as Sept. 4, but there is no timetable for his return.