Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cincinnati Reds made a few roster transactions on Thursday that included Joey Votto being placed on the 10-day IL with left shoulder discomfort.  This is the same side that he had surgery on and his rehabilitation caused him to miss the vast majority of the first half of the season.

Injuries are never a good thing, but timing wise Joey Votto being placed on the IL with approximately four to five weeks remaining in the regular season is not ideal.  Cincinnati is just three and a half games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League central division race and a half game back of the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card standings.

One reassuring aspect to all of this is that Reds manager David Bell has indicated that Joey Votto will not be out for too long.

Injury timeline for Joey Votto revealed by Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell.   

According to David Bell Joey Votto is expected back in early September.  Votto himself said that he was not quite at the place he wanted to be physically and that it was affecting his swing.  If he does end up spending the minimum 10-day on the IL then he would be eligible to return over labor day weekend on Saturday, September 2.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Caitlin Clark shows off range with logo three, but Fever fall short
Former Dolphins receiving leader announces his retirement from NFL
Detroit Lions dominate PFF's top-25 players under 25
Hall of Famer, legendary Raiders offensive lineman dead at 86
Report: Cavs owner 'would never' trade Donovan Mitchell to this team
Kim Mulkey adds legendary LSU alum to coaching staff
Insider details LeBron James' role in Lakers' head-coaching search
Cardinals switch up offensive line, move 2023 first-rounder to new position
Commanders poach another key overseer of Lions rebuild
Commanders to hire veteran executive as player personnel director
Guardians designate outfielder for assignment
Patriots' Drake Maye starts OTAs in surprising position
Bettors are buying Bronny James hype before the 2024 NBA Draft
Mets release veteran infielder
Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen will finish off their trilogy in a boxing ring
Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren highlight 2023-24 All-Rookie team
Jaguars' Doug Pederson discusses Trevor Lawrence contract extension
Saints, star CB 'moving forward' following trade chatter
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7