Reds' Joey Votto exits game with left thumb injury

Cincinnati Reds star first baseman Joey Votto attempted to check his swing in the bottom of the fourth inning of Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox when his left thumb was struck by a pitch delivered by Dallas Keuchel.

According to Mark Sheldon of the MLB website, Votto shook his hand in pain as he jogged to first base but managed to remain in the game another inning. However, the six-time All-Star and one-time Most Valuable Player exited the contest ahead of the top of the sixth and was replaced by Kyle Farmer. While little was known at the time because the teams were still playing, it's assumed Votto struggled to play the field and also may not have been able to hit again during the afternoon. 

Across 29 games this season, Votto is hitting .226 with five home runs and 17 RBI. One bit of positive news as it pertains to Votto's future availability is that the Reds are off Thursday and then travel for an interstate showdown at the Cleveland Indians. That series will include both teams using designated hitters per American League rules.