Joey Votto (knee) might not return Tuesday. Votto hasn't experienced a setback -- in fact he homered in a rehab game at Triple-A Louisville this weekend -- but Cincy has a 9.5-game lead over the Cardinals in the National League Central standings. So there's no real hurry. "Joey will be here. He'll be here soon. We just can't say when," Reds manager Dusty Baker told reporters on Monday. "We want him right, and we have a bit of a luxury the way guys are playing now where we don't have to rush him back."

Joey Votto (knee) is scheduled to make one more rehab appearance at Triple-A Louisville before being activated from the disabled list. There was some hope that Votto could return Monday, but he'll play in the Triple-A season finale in order to get his timing down. The Reds have surprisingly gone 32-15 in 47 games without Votto, who's been out of commission since July 16 with multiple knee surgeries.

The Reds are leaving it up to Joey Votto (knee) whether he'll be activated from the disabled list Monday. Votto is ready physically, but it's possible he could play another game at Triple-A Louisville in order to get his timing down. He's taking a day off Sunday. "He said he felt very good (Saturday)," head trainer Paul Lessard said. "He's moving well, pivoting. Walt (Jocketty) and Dusty (Baker) told him at the start to get at-bats to get comfortable at the plate as well as to see if he was physically ready. He missed six weeks."

Joey Votto (knee) hit an opposite-field homer Saturday during his fourth rehab game with Triple-A Louisville. Votto struck out in his other two plate appearances and now has two hits in eight at-bats during his rehab assignment. Louisville beat writer Kevin Geary reported that Votto "looked very nimble in the field" and that his "knee looked fine." The first baseman is expected to be activated from the DL Monday.

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer expects Joey Votto (knee) to be activated from the disabled list Monday. There had been whispers that he could be activated as soon as Saturday, but the Reds evidently would like him to get in a couple more rehab games. It's probably wise, as Votto has admitted that he's still not running at 100 percent and has yet to test out his twice-repaired knee sliding. The Reds open a nine-game homestand on Monday.

Joey Votto (knee) went 0-for-1 with a walk Tuesday in his first rehab game with Class A Dayton. Votto also played five innings at first base. He's scheduled to play again on Wednesday and could be activated from the disabled list when rosters on Saturday if all goes well.

Joey Votto (knee) is expected to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Class-A Dayton. "We're hoping he'll be ready sometime next weekend, if everything goes well," manager Dusty Baker said. Votto recently took part in a full workout without any setbacks, and could be cleared to return from the disabled list Saturday against the Astros. Votto's effectiveness coming off multiple knee surgeries remains to be seen. The 28-year-old has been out of commission since July 16.

Joey Votto (knee) took part in batting practice Friday but declined to say when he expects to return to the lineup. Votto continues to make progress toward his return from two knee surgeries, but remains without a timetable. "I think that (batting practice) will say a lot about my progress," he said. "I've come a long way. I feel like I'm not too far off. Can't really put a day on it. I don't think it's going to be too much longer." Votto hasn't played since July 16, but could be close to being cleared for a rehab assignment. The Reds are 26-12 in his absence.

Joey Votto (knee) will not travel with the Reds on their upcoming road trip. Votto is performing some baseball activities but hasn't been cleared to do everything. There's no timetable for his return, but he almost surely won't be back before the end of the month. The Reds will continue to go with Todd Frazier as their primary first baseman.

Joey Votto (knee) has yet to resume baseball activities. Votto recently underwent a "minor procedure" to his surgically-repaired left knee, and remains without a timetable. He doesn't plan to return until he's 100 percent, so we wouldn't expect him back before the start of September, at the earliest.