Votto (shoulder) is taking a live batting practice session with Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds and Votto will then determine the next steps for the first baseman, and it's possible that next step could be a rehab assignment. The left-handed hitter is currently on the 60-day injured list and can't be activated until May 30. If he does begin a rehab assignment in the coming days, Votto has a chance to return to the lineup at the end of May, but his timetable should begin to clear up in the coming days.

The Reds transferred Votto (shoulder/biceps) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Matt McLain, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Louisville ahead of Monday's game against the Rockies. Votto took live batting practice at Triple-A over the weekend, which signifies that he could be close to resuming a rehab assignment. As a result of his move to the 60-day IL, Votto won't be eligible to make his 2023 debut with the Reds until May 30.

Reds manager David Bell said Thursday that Votto (shoulder) will begin taking live batting practice this weekend at Triple-A Louisville, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not an actual minor-league rehab assignment just yet, but that could potentially happen sometime next week if Votto looks good in these weekend workouts against live pitching. He tried a rehab stint with Louisville in April but went 7-for-38 (.184) with 21 strikeouts in 10 games while also struggling defensively. The veteran first baseman is on the road back from surgery last August to repair tears in his left rotator cuff and biceps muscle.

Votto (shoulder) said Wednesday that there is still no timetable for when he might begin another minor-league rehab assignment, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto called it a day-to-day situation as he continues to work on his offense and defense in the Cincinnati area. The 39-year-old batted just .184/.289/.316 with 21 strikeouts over 45 plate appearances during a 10-game rehab assignment last month at Triple-A Louisville. He also had trouble picking balls at first base due to a lack of extension in his surgically-repaired left biceps and shoulder. "I'll make the decision the day before and just head down there," Votto said of the timing for a second rehab stint. "I don't really want to say anything. I want to come back and bring joy and optimism and be a part of it."

Votto's surgically-repaired right shoulder is "not allowing him to be physically able to do the things he needs to do at the plate," Reds manager David Bell told Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Votto had to be pulled off a rehab assignment earlier this month after "it became pretty clear after that that it was rushed," per Bell. The skipper added that Votto remains "way ahead of schedule" of where most players would be at this point and simply needs more time. He worked out at Great American Ball Park on Monday and will continue to go through drills until the Reds decide he's ready to re-start a rehab assignment.

Votto (shoulder/biceps) did some hitting on the field at Great American Ball Park on Monday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reds manager David Bell noted that there's no real change in Votto's status, so it remains unclear when he'll be ready to resume a rehab assignment. Votto was pulled off his initial rehab assignment earlier this month because his 20-day rehab window was running out and he wasn't ready to rejoin the major-league roster. He went 7-for-38 (.184 average) with three extra-base hits while striking out in 46.7 percent of his plate appearances over his 10-game assignment with Triple-A Louisville.

Reds manager David Bell said Thursday that there is no set date for Votto (shoulder/biceps) to resume a rehab assignment, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto was pulled off his rehab stint Saturday after batting just .184/.289/.316 with 21 strikeouts through 45 plate appearances at Triple-A Louisville. He's currently working out in Cincinnati as he tries to recapture some semblance of timing at the dish. The 39-year-old underwent surgery last August to repair tears in his left rotator cuff and left biceps muscle.

Votto (shoulder/biceps) has been pulled off his minor-league rehab assignment.

EDGE Analysis

Votto hasn't suffered a setback, but his 20-day rehab window was running out and the Reds will bring him back to Cincinnati to continue ramping up with simulated workouts. The veteran first baseman was slashing just .184/.289/.316 with 21 strikeouts through 45 plate appearances at Triple-A Louisville.

Votto (shoulder/biceps) has gone 4-for-32 with three walks and 20 strikeouts through the first eight games of his rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville.

EDGE Analysis

Votto hasn't suffered any reported setbacks with his surgically repaired left shoulder or biceps since beginning the rehab assignment April 1, but he's clearly struggling to get his timing back at the plate. Elite plate discipline and stellar bat-to-ball skills have been foundational traits for Votto throughout his career, so it's especially troubling that he's struck out in 55.6 percent of his plate appearances at Triple-A thus far. Votto was initially expected to return from the 10-day injured list when he was first eligible April 6, but his activation looks as though it'll be delayed until he can show some semblance of progress during his rehab assignment.

Reds manager David Bell said Votto (shoulder) is unlikely to be activated when first eligible Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Votto began a minor league rehab assignment over the weekend at Triple-A Louisville, but he still has some work to do as he completes his recovery from shoulder surgery last August. The new target for his 2023 debut might be early next week.