Cincinnati Reds' Prominent First Baseman Joey Votto Experiences a Broken Left Thumb

Introduction

On May 5th, 2021, Joey Votto, a former National League MVP and an MLB All-Star first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, suffered a broken left thumb when he was struck by a pitch delivered by Dallas Keuchel from the Chicago White Sox. Thankfully, it appears that surgery will not be necessary for Joey's recovery. However, this injury is likely to sideline him for around a month, impacting the Reds as they currently find themselves in a fiercely competitive third place within the National League Central division of Major League Baseball.

Possible Candidates to Fill the First Base Role

Although replacing Votto at first base poses a significant challenge, Kyle Farmer could be a viable option. While Farmer is primarily a shortstop, he can also step in at first base. The downside is that the Reds would lose substantial offensive strength with Farmer in the lineup instead of Votto. The team may also consider other alternatives for Votto's position, such as promoting a player from their alternate training site or minor league affiliates, or possibly signing a utility player to fill the gap until Votto's return.

Joey Votto’s 2021 MLB Season Statistics

As of the start of the 2021 MLB season, Joey Votto is batting .229, with 17 RBIs and 5 home runs to his name so far. He has also crossed home plate 9 times, has not attempted a stolen base, and maintains an on-base percentage of .302. His slugging percentage is .429, resulting in an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .730, which, while not up to his typical standards, is not disappointing either. Votto’s OPS+ currently stands at 88. It's important to remember that these figures are significantly lower than his career averages, especially since the regular season consists of 162 games. Fans can anticipate both Votto and the Cincinnati Reds to recover and perform strongly upon his return to the roster.

Statement from Joey Votto After His Injury

"I was definitely in pain,\" Votto remarked after the game against the Chicago White Sox. "I thought I might be overreacting. I wanted to continue playing, but I realized I was struggling to grip the bat and struggling to put my glove on properly. I felt fine running and moving around, so I thought, 'Give it some time; it should feel better soon. Maybe it’s just a minor jammed thumb or something that will resolve itself.' And then it broke; what can you do?\"

Joey Votto’s Accomplishments and Recognition in Baseball

• 6 Time MLB All – Star (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018)
• National League MVP (2010)
• National League Hank Aaron Award (2010)
• Gold Glove Award (2011)

MLB Standings as of May 5th, 2021

American League East

Boston Red Sox 18 – 12 0 Games Behind

New York Yankees 15 – 14 2.5 Games Behind

Tampa Bay Rays 16 – 15 2.5 Games Behind

Toronto Blue Jays 14 – 14 3 Games Behind

Baltimore Orioles 15 – 16 3.5 Games Behind

American League Central

Kansas City Royals 16 – 12 0 Games Behind

Chicago White Sox 16 – 13 0.5 Games Behind

Cleveland Indians 15 – 13 1 Game Behind

Minnesota Twins 11 – 17 5 Games Behind

Detroit Tigers 8 – 22 9 Games Behind

American League West

Oakland Athletics 19 – 12 0 Games Behind

Seattle Mariners 17 – 15 2.5 Game Behind

Houston Astros 15 – 14 3 Games Behind

Los Angeles Angels 13 – 15 4.5 Games Behind

Texas Rangers 14 – 17 5 Games Behind

National League East

Philadelphia Phillies 16 – 15 0 Game Behind

Atlanta Braves 14 – 16 1.5 Game Behind

Washington Nationals: 12 wins, 14 losses, trailing by 1.5 games.

New York Mets 11 – 13 1.5 Games Behind

Miami Marlins 13 – 16 2 Games Behind

National League Central

St. Louis Cardinals 18 – 12 0 Games Behind

Milwaukee Brewers 17 – 14 1.5 Games Behind

Cincinnati Reds 14 – 15 3.5 Games Behind

Chicago Cubs 14 – 16 4 Game Behind

Pittsburgh Pirates 13 – 16 4.5 Games Behind

National League West

San Francisco Giants 18 – 13 0 Game Behind

San Diego Padres 17 – 14 1 Games Behind

Los Angeles Dodgers 17 – 14 1 Games Behind

Arizona Diamondbacks: 15 wins, 15 losses, 2.5 games behind.

Colorado Rockies 12 – 19 6 Games Behind

Odds to Win the MLB 2021 World Series

According to Intertops sportsbook As of May 5th, 2021, here are the odds for the 2021 MLB World Series championship. The Cincinnati Reds currently rank 16th in terms of their chances to win during this thrilling 162-game regular season, as well as in the 2021 MLB playoffs. Their odds of success are relatively better, sitting at 5th highest according to Intertops bookmakers. Chicago White Sox “Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds sustains a broken left thumb after being hit by a pitch.”

Team	Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers	350
New York Yankees	600
San Diego Padres	750
New York Mets	900
Chicago White Sox	1000
Oakland Athletics	1200
Atlanta Braves	1400
Houston Astros	1600
Toronto Blue Jays	1800
St Louis Cardinals	1800
Milwaukee Brewers	1800
Tampa Bay Rays	2000
Boston Red Sox	2000
Minnesota Twins	2500
Los Angeles Angels	3000
Cincinnati Reds	3300
Cleveland Indians	3300
Washington Nationals	3300
Philadelphia Phillies	3500
Chicago Cubs	5000
Kansas City Royals	5000
San Francisco Giants	5000
Miami Marlins	6000
Seattle Mariners	6600
Arizona Diamondbacks	12500
Baltimore Orioles	15000
Texas Rangers	20000
Detroit Tigers	30000
Colorado Rockies	30000
Pittsburgh Pirates	30000

Sources:

“United States, MLB Futures, MLB 2021 World Series: Odds to Win Outright” , espn.com, May 5, 2021.

“Joey Votto” , baseball-reference.com, May 5, 2021.

“MLB Standings 2021” , espn.com, May 5, 2021.

Accurate strategies and insights for casino games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and many more that enthusiasts can enjoy. , intertops.eu, May 5, 2021.

Written by: David Green