Quick movements still hindering Votto
First baseman to remain on DL; Reds working to determine fifth starter
CHICAGO -- Joey Votto (In Flanders Fields) will remain on the 10-day disabled list for at least another two days, interim manager Jim Riggleman said, though the Reds' first baseman still may not be ready to return Tuesday for their next game.
Originally expected to be activated prior to Sunday's series finale against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Votto is still having trouble making quick movements that rely on his injured right leg.
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"The indication I get from the trainers and the strength and conditioning coaches -- they're just not totally comfortable yet with watching him run and stop and crank it up again," Riggleman said.
For the most part, Votto is making progress, and he is feeling "pretty good, but not sufficient enough to activate him. When we get to Tuesday, we'll make another decision," Riggleman said.
Votto has been on the DL since Aug. 17, retroactive to Aug. 16, for a lower right leg contusion, which he suffered on Aug. 4 when Nationals reliever Ryan Madson hit him with a 96.2-mph fastball in the second game of a split doubleheader.
The next day, Riggleman said that when Votto suggested that "maybe he could use the day off, that he was really sore," the manager assumed it was because he had just played both games of the doubleheader. It didn't cross Riggleman's mind that the HBP could be the culprit.
After sitting on Aug. 5, Votto returned to the lineup and kept playing while hurt. Riggleman said the injury was "way worse" than anyone initially had thought.
"We realized it's a nerve [that was] hit there that is causing discomfort down to his foot," Riggleman said. "[It was] not allowing him to run, stop, cut and do the things you need to do."
Rotation updates
The Reds are returning to a five-man rotation, though it has yet to be determined who their fifth starter will be.
Following Monday's off-day, Anthony DeSclafani (Disco) will start Tuesday against the Brewers, followed by Matt Harvey (Harv) and Luis Castillo (La Piedra). Homer Bailey (Homer) will pitch the series opener at St. Louis on Friday, with Saturday's starter yet to be determined.
Two players who won't start against the Cardinals are Sal Romano (Big Sally) and Robert Stephenson (Bob). The Reds plan on using them in relief for the remainder of the season instead.
"We feel like they can both help us in the bullpen," Riggleman said. "Their arms respond to it."
Left-hander Cody Reed (Goggles) will "in all likelihood" start a few games for the Reds in September, Riggleman said. When those starts happen, though, will depend on his bullpen usage in the coming days.