Joey Votto is expected to return to the Cincinnati Reds from rehab

Houston – with An Instagram video he posted on Saturday From himself driving a bus, apparently back to Cincinnati, Joey Votto hinted that his rehab stint with Triple-A Louisville was nearing its end. On Sunday, Votto posted a more serious message clearly stating he was ready to return to the Reds.

Noting that Monday will be exactly 10 months since his Aug. 19 left shoulder surgery that repaired a torn rotator cuff and biceps muscle, Foto thanked the many people during his return trip. He showed his appreciation to the surgeons, physiotherapists, coaches and teammates.

“My time at Louisville was excellent. I’m so thankful and grateful for my teammates. Grateful, grateful for my time here. Everyone was so welcoming. Thank you. I can’t wait to get back to Cincinnati. I miss you all, and hope to see you all,” Foto said on Instagram from the Louisville club. almost “.

No official roster move has been announced as of Sunday afternoon by the Reds, who opened a three-game series against the Rockies on Monday at Great American Ball Park.

Votto, 39, won 167 with two home runs, a double and five RBIs in 12 games with Louisville during his second rehab stint. He came off Sunday’s game against St. Paul after going 0-for-1 with a walk in two plate appearances.

Reports from his games were positive, and Votto himself noted before leaving for Louisville that he had greater range of motion and less discomfort in his shoulder than he experienced during his first aborted rehab stint on April 15.

In the guaranteed final year of his 10-year, $225 million contract, Votto has a $20 million club option for 2024 for $7 million.

The Reds have added players to their roster in recent days. Utility player Nick Sensen returned from the injured list on Friday and outfielder Jake Fraley was activated on Sunday.

But the presence of Votto, the team’s veteran captain and one of the few players on the club with post-season experience while playing for the Reds, is welcome. Cincinnati is riding an eight-game winning streak after Sunday’s 9-7 win over the Astros in 10 innings and is jumping high with a club full of young players.

“It’s unbelievable. It keeps getting better and better,” said Fraley. “Another guy who understands and has been part of that cultural side and builds that up. To be able to get a guy like that with him at the club will make things better.”