PHOENIX -- Joey Votto didn't start the 2023 season on time as he recovered from left shoulder surgery. Because of the same shoulder, the Reds first baseman isn't assured of being able to finish it. 

The playoff-contending Reds will be without Votto after he went on the 10-day injured list because of a left shoulder strain on Thursday.

“I feel like I’m not quite at the place physically I’d like to be and it’s seeping into my swing," Votto said. 

Votto, who turns 40 on Sept. 10, was lifted for a pinch-hitter Wednesday in the sixth inning of Game 1 during a Reds doubleheader vs. the Angels, a 9-4 win. He did not play Game 2.

“You could see it getting weaker," general manager Nick Krall said. "He came in yesterday and he told our guys. It seemed obvious. Hopefully, it’s a 10-day thing and we’re pushing it out of the way but we’ll see what happens.”

Cincinnati recalled utility player Nick Senzel from Triple-A Louisville to replace Votto on the 26-man roster.

Votto underwent left shoulder surgery on Aug. 19, 2022, to repair a torn rotator cuff and a torn biceps. But his progress toward returning was rarely a straight line. He came to Spring Training hoping to be ready for Opening Day but it proved to be unrealistic. 

An initial rehab assignment with Louisville was halted on April 15 for almost six weeks so he could improve his range of motion and strength. After a second rehab assignment, he finally made his 2023 debut for the Reds on June 19 and went 2-for-3 with a homer in a win over the Rockies at Great American Ball Park.

In 51 games this season, Votto is slashing .200/.303/.459 with 13 home runs and 33 RBIs over 195 plate appearances. But he has not hit a homer since Aug. 7 vs. Miami and he is 7-for-his-last-37 (.189) with one double accounting for the lone extra-base hit over his last 12 games.

There is no exact timetable yet for whether Votto could return by Sept. 3, the first day he'd be eligible for activation. However, he expressed confidence that he would return this season.

“I’m going to work toward that, of course," he said. 

The Reds are trying to secure a playoff spot and entered Thursday's game vs. the D-backs a half-game up for the third National League Wild Card berth ahead of both Arizona and the Giants. 

“Frankly, it sucks. For him, the club, everybody," Krall said. "He wants to be a part of this as much as we want him to be a part of it. He’s a good veteran leader on this club. But you also want him to be healthy because if he’s not healthy and can’t contribute, that’s tough as well. Our goal is to get him healthy and continue this run.”

Reds manager David Bell is hoping to have Votto back to contribute for a stretch run toward the postseason.

“For me, it's a day-to-day thing and a commitment over the next 10 days to strengthen his shoulder with a goal and a plan of getting him back as quick as we can to our team," Bell said. "It’s disappointing, a setback, but there’s still time in the season where he can strengthen it and get back and continue being a big part of our team.”

As for Votto's career with the Reds, the situation is more complicated. A Red since he broke into the big leagues in 2007, he is in the final season of his 10-year, $225 million contract. It has a $20 million club option for 2024 with a $7 million buyout.

“I can’t speak for that, for the future, as far as my career," Votto said. "I’m just thinking about getting better so I can be strong and healthy on a consistent basis in a game that demands that you’re strong and healthy on a consistent basis. As far as thinking about career stuff, I’m looking forward to getting back in the box and feeling great and performing well and helping the team move toward our collective goal.”

With Votto out, rookie Christian Encarnacion-Strand is likely to get the bulk of playing time at first base.

Senzel, who was optioned to Louisville on Aug. 11, was slashing .219/.290/.368 with nine homers and 37 RBIs in 80 games for the Reds.