Breaking: Former all-star who signed with the minor league has been invited to the major league by the Blue Jays.
It’s possible that Joey Votto may return to the major leagues soon.
The Reds’ August 19–21 visit to Toronto presents the Blue Jays with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring back Votto and see him play against his old team in his hometown.
Votto’s interest in joining the Blue Jays, who are now playing their last series and are in last place in the American League East with a 55-64 record, is a matter of debate.
ESPN’s Buster Olney said on TSN1050’s First Up on Tuesday, “I personally would be excited to see Votto back on a major-league field but I’m wondering how he’d process all that.” “Is he interested in returning when the Blue Jays aren’t competing? He’s not hitting the ball well either.200 in Triple-A. I have no idea how he is physically feeling, and I have no idea what he wants to do if he isn’t feeling 100%.
After spending 17 years with the Cincinnati Reds, the 40-year-old former all-star signed a minor-league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and received an invitation to the major league team’s spring training.
Votto’s season was delayed when he twisted his ankle after hitting a home run in his first at-bat during spring training.
Votto finally recovered from his July setback and made his way to Triple-A Buffalo in August, where he has played in nine games and hit.211 with three RBIs and a home run.
The Blue Jays are still considering promoting the former National League MVP if he stays fit, according to manager John Schneider of the team last week.
Schneider told reporters on August 6 that “you sign him for a reason, and I think you make room for him.” “It really helps to have a guy like him in this clubhouse,” the speaker said.
Olney continued by saying that Votto prioritized getting healthy before joining the Blue Jays in order to put himself in the best possible position to succeed and demonstrate his ability to still perform.
Votto played in just 65 games during his final season in Cincinnati due to his recovery from surgery on his left shoulder, yet he still managed to hit.202 with 14 home runs and 38 RBIs. After that, the Reds rejected his $20 million club option, allowing him to become a free agent.
“He wasn’t healthy and didn’t perform well when he played [with the Reds] last year,” Olney added. “I am aware that during the spring, he was totally focused on getting fit so he could maybe cause harm in the major leagues.
“You’re essentially committing to him through the end of September if you call him up for the series against the Reds. I don’t sure how Votto would feel about that, even though I believe it would be awesome.
