The NL Central Division leading Cincinnati Reds were dealt a blow today when they found out former MVP Joey Votto will be out due to “minor” knee surgery, according to the Reds Twitter feed .
Votto was having another banner season in 2012, batting .342 with 14 home runs and 49 rbi.
The Reds are finding themselves to be in a tight race with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the NL Central and without Votto’s production, the Reds will need to find a way to pick up production in his absence.
It seems likely that rookie Todd Frazier will take over for Votto at first base.
By trade, Frazier is a third baseman and was filling in very nicely for the injured Scott Rolen, batting .279 with 10 home runs and 30 rbi.
Yesterday got a surprise when Manager Dusty Baker told him to take ground balls at first base and with this injury news it makes sense.
Dusty [Baker] talked to me yesterday during BP and told me to take some ground balls at first,” Frazier said. “That usually means I’m going to play that position for one day or whatever. I’m ready. I’ve played there a lot. It comes natural to me.”
Votto to have surgery tomorrow to repair torn meniscus in his left knee, suffered on 6/29 at SF. Will miss 3-4 weeks. Roster moves tomorrow.
— Reds (@Reds) July 16, 2012
