Reds activate first baseman Joey Votto from IL

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Reds' Joey Votto returns from fractured thumb to face Brewers

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/8/21

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is back.

The Reds confirmed that the six-time All-Star and one-time Most Valuable Player is returning from the fractured thumb he suffered on May 5 against the Chicago White Sox and batting cleanup for Tuesday's home game versus the Milwaukee Brewers:

Bang.@PNCBank pic.twitter.com/u7qx6sGWDJ
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 8, 2021

According to an ESPN piece, Votto recently completed a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville and handled throws at first without dealing with an abundance of discomfort. In a corresponding roster move, Cincinnati placed right-handed pitcher Michael Feliz on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Monday because of a sore right elbow.

Across 29 games this season, Votto is hitting .226 with five home runs and 17 RBI. Meanwhile, the Reds have won six of their last seven contests to improve to 28-29 on the year and get to within four games of first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central standings.

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