NewsVotto ready to return, comes off DL
Sidelined since May 30, slugger third on team in HRs, RBIs
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
06/23/09 1:03 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- Reds first baseman Joey Votto is ready to return. Votto, on the disabled list since May 30, was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday. Utilityman Wilkin Castillo, who has a torn labrum in his right shoulder, was placed on the 15-day disabled list.MLB.com learned on Monday that Votto was on the Reds' charter flight to Toronto, where the Reds will open a three-game series on Tuesday vs. the Blue Jays.
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Votto, a Toronto native, has been out because of an undisclosed stress-related issue. Before that development, the 25-year-old missed 12 starts because of dizziness brought on by an inner ear infection.
The 34-34 Reds could sorely use Votto's presence in the lineup after going 8-13 without him. He is batting .357 with eight home runs, 33 RBIs and a .464 on-base percentage in 38 games. Votto played in three rehabilitation assignment games with Class A clubs in Sarasota and Dayton and one intrasquad scrimmage before it was decided to bring him back. He was 3-for-9 in his three games with a home run.Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
