CINCINNATI -- During many of the Reds' scrimmages the past couple of weeks, first baseman and left-handed-hitting savant Joey Votto has lifted foul balls into the seats around third base and left field, creeping closer to where the new press box is located. Hitting to the opposite field is an important part of Votto’s game.

“It’s [a] good sign they’re heading your way,” he said on Monday.

Votto, who turns 37 on Sept. 10, isn’t just preparing for his 13th Opening Day in Cincinnati. He’s trying to rebound from back-to-back subpar seasons, including a 2019 campaign with which he was most disappointed.

Following the 3 1/2-month shutdown because of the pandemic, Votto has tried to make the most of the three-week Summer Camp.

“Every day is useful at this time when you have an abbreviated window of preparation,” Votto said. “Every single rep, every day is an opportunity to build toward being ready. How do I feel? I feel like I have to use the next three days properly.”

Although there are no official statistics during the scrimmages, Votto has appeared to be in good form at the plate. He has drawn fair amounts of walks and collected some hits but hasn’t hit a home run.

As for whether that portends a good start to his 2020 season, the notoriously slow starter wasn’t ready to say.

“It can be a little bit deceptive,” Votto said. “The pitchers are trying to get prepared also, so lack of command doesn’t necessarily mean I’m being a tough out. I feel like the biggest key for me is my swing. I’m working toward sharpening that up, and I feel like I’m doing that.”

Reds manager David Bell feels that the unexpected and unwanted time off may have served Votto well for the upcoming 60-game season.

“He also had a great offseason before our first Spring Training, then a shortened Spring Training, and then a few more months to recover,” Bell said. “Mentally, this game can be such a grind. I think that little break might have benefitted him more than anyone. Not that he wanted it or was looking for it -- it just happened. I really can see how that benefits him. He definitely came into camp fresh, physically and mentally. From everything I can tell, the results have shown that.”

Votto is the lone remaining Reds player from their postseason clubs in 2010, ’12 and ’13. After six consecutive losing seasons, he may now have the best lineup and pitching around him since then.

Cincinnati splurged on free agents like Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama for the lineup. Votto is slated to bat second -- mostly behind Akiyama -- and ahead of Eugenio Suárez, Moustakas and Castellanos.

“It certainly helps to support him,” Bell said. “Also, I know how much Joey wants to win. He’s been here the longest of anyone. He’s given so much to the organization. He’s experienced winning here. He’s experienced losing here. He wants to win, and he wants to be part of a winner. When he looks around and sees a team he can believe in, that gives you energy.”

Votto certainly believes in his team and his teammates.

“[I’m] very excited. The first 15 games are going to be really important. I don’t think it’s make-or-break, but it’s very important for us to start that off well,” Votto said. “We’re going to do this collectively, and there’s going to be big moments from the 26th man on the roster as there will be from the first man on the roster.

“Everybody behind the scenes is putting in everything they can: the strength coaches, the training staff, the front office, the coaching staff -- everybody recognizes that this is a wonderful opportunity for the Reds to win their sixth championship.”