This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon's Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
When Reds first baseman Joey Votto called for a media scrum following the team’s 1-0 win over the Phillies on Wednesday, it was clear that something was up. Votto had been held out of the lineup that afternoon, and he had gone hitless in his previous 22 at-bats, setting a career high.
After a few moments of waiting in suspense, the 38-year-old entered the room and solemnly announced the findings of a tear in his left rotator cuff and his decision to have surgery on it -- in turn, ending his season.
The club made it official Friday afternoon, placing Votto on the 60-day injured list. His surgery, performed by Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek, was successful, but the injury ended up being more serious than they had originally thought.
“Joey [on Friday] had successful surgery to repair his left rotator cuff and bicep,” Reds vice president and general manager Nick Krall said in a press release. “The surgery was a little more than expected. The injury definitely limited the use of his left shoulder and affected his performance, but we expect he will be able to participate in Spring Training and be ready for the 2023 season.”
Votto believes the injury dates to a play during the 2015 season but said he has been able to play through the pain up until this point. Still, he didn't make any excuses for his drop in production this season.
“Only the past maybe three months or so has it been painful to the point where it’s difficult to lift [and] hurts to sleep,” he said. “I’m not sure it’s affected my performance. … I can’t say that. I don't want to make an excuse.”
The news quickly sent shockwaves through the home clubhouse. Nick Lodolo, who was on the bump that afternoon, found out just moments after the game.
“To be honest, it sucks,” Lodolo said. “I feel for him, but I know [Joey], and I know he’s going to work. He’ll be back next year ready to go.”
Second baseman Jonathan India said the fact that Votto pushed through that pain to give the Reds the best he could every day for seven or so years was commendable.
“Joey doesn’t sit out for anything. I kind of take after that mentality, so I respect that and I feel for him,” India said. “That’s tough. Something that was that serious -- a torn biceps as well. … He was probably hurting for a while, but I’m glad he’s got it fixed now rather than waiting, so he can come back healthy for next year.”