Joey Votto, the first player from the Reds, was placed on the injured list on Wednesday after he tested positive for COVID-19. Votto gave the club permission to reveal his condition.
This will certainly have ramifications in the list if Votto has to be gone for an extended period.
The counterattack stopped an unusually strong start in the Spring Training for Votto, who is famous for often coming out of the goal slowly. The sample size is small – only four games – but it is 4-for-9 with a double and a walk.
The 37-year-old Votto last played Sunday against the Giants, when he collected two shots that included a double on the wall in the center-right field.
Winner of the 2010 National League MVP Award and a six-time All-Star, Votto is looking for a comeback year in 2020. He has dropped .252 / .356 / .421 in the last two seasons, well for a league average of 100 OPS + – compared to his qualifier of 149. Votto showed increased strength at the end of last season, hitting eight rounds from home in his last 28 games while slugging .548.
Reds manager David Bell has several options to replace Votto at first base. The most likely choice would be for second baseman Mike Moustakas to move to first baseman.
Moustakas has played first base in 14 games throughout his career, but 10 of those games and eight starts happened last season.
Outfielder Scott Heineman, who is trying to win a place in the 26-man roster, has basic experience with the Rangers and has played position during the camp. On Wednesday, Heineman was given the start at first base against the Royals.
Other players who may face first base include utility player Alex Blandino, shortstop Kyle Farmer and non-roster invites Cheslor Cuthbert.