Votto is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Votto has gone deep in back-to-back contests, but he'll take a seat versus left-hander MacKenzie Gore in this one. Kevin Newman is at first base and Tyler Stephenson will be the designated hitter while Luke Maile handles catching duties.

Votto went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Votto now has homers in back-to-back games following an 0-for-18 slump over his previous six contests. Wednesday's three-hit effort was his first since June 23. Votto will look to build on his solid performance, as he's had a slow start to the year following off-season rotator cuff surgery. The veteran first-baseman is slashing .205/.340/.545 with five homers, 11 RBI and eight runs scored through his first 53 plate appearances.

Votto is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Votto broke a string of six games without a hit when he homered in Monday's win over the Nats, but he'll take a seat on Independence Day. Kevin Newman is playing first base and leading off.

Votto is out of the lineup Monday at Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

Kevin Newman will cover first base and bat leadoff versus the Orioles and left-hander Cole Irvin. Tyler Stephenson is serving as the Reds' designated hitter and batting seventh. The left-handed-hitting Votto boasts a 1.213 OPS in 23 plate appearances since returning June 19 from offseason rotator cuff surgery, but he will probably continue to sit against certain southpaws.

Votto went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Friday's victory over Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

After a long recovery from rotator cuff surgery and a stalled rehab assignment earlier in the season, Votto has returned to the Reds with a bang. The 39-year-old is now 4-for-13 with three home runs and seven RBI since coming off the injured list. He's batting lower in the order than he typically has -- Votto has hit sixth in all four games since his return -- but it's a good thing that he doesn't have to carry as much of the offensive burden at this point in his career.

Votto went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and a walk in Monday's win against Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Votto made his season debut Monday after multiple surgeries and wasted no time making an impact, drilling a solo shot in the fifth inning and later adding a two-run single. He struggled with a .173/.340/.333 slash line in 22 rehab games with Triple-A Louisville prior to his MLB return. Between that, his .689 OPS in 2022 and the Reds suddenly looking like a playoff contender, it's unclear what Votto's role will be in the immediate future.

Votto (shoulder/biceps) was activated from the 60-day injured list Monday and will start at first base and bat sixth in the Reds' series opener versus the Rockies, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto had some starts and stops as he worked his way back from left shoulder and biceps surgery, but he said Monday that he feels "much more like myself." The 39-year-old slashed .162/.385/.351 with two home runs and an 11:13 K:BB over 12 games during his most recent rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville. Since he's returning from a long-term absence, Votto will likely receive plenty of days off in the early going as the Reds ease him back into the mix while also juggle a batting order which is suddenly teeming with appealing options. Fantasy managers in shallower leagues should take a wait-and-see approach before adding Votto off the waiver wire.

Votto (shoulder) will play again for Triple-A Louisville on Sunday in his rehab assignment, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was some speculation that Votto could return to the Reds on Sunday, but the veteran first baseman will play at least one more game in the minors while on his rehab assignment. Votto has hit just .176 with 3 homers and 10 RBI thus far in his 74 plate appearances in Triple-A as he works his way back from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him throughout the 2023 season.

Votto (shoulder/biceps) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto started his initial rehab assignment in early April, but it quickly became obvious his surgically repaired left shoulder and bicep weren't ready. The veteran first baseman has been ramping up his workouts in recent weeks and now feels ready to give it another shot. How many games he might need isn't yet clear, but a lengthy rehab stint seems probable. Once he's deemed ready, Votto figures to be used both at first base and designated hitter.

Votto (shoulder) said Monday that the difference in how he feels now and when he was shut down is "incomparable," C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto is back to taking live batting practice and will continue to do so as he ramps things back up. While he is not quite game-ready yet, he wouldn't appear to be too far off from re-starting a rehab assignment if things continue to progress in the right direction.