Votto (quadriceps) remains hopeful he can return to the Reds this season, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Votto has been taking gradual steps in his rehab of late, as he's recently fielded ground balls and hit off a tee. The first baseman has been on the disabled list since July 8, and has been limited to just 62 games due to complications resulting from a strained quadriceps muscle. With the Reds likely out of the playoff chase, there's seemingly little incentive to rush his return, but Votto continues to move forward with the mindset that he'll see some reps yet this year. Time is starting to run out, however, so he'll need to take a few major steps forward if he wants to achieve this goal. Even if healthy, there remains a good chance the Reds will end up shutting him down anyway.