Monday Bantering: Joey Votto Assigned To FCL

Finally, Joey Votto is getting close to playing actual baseball. Not major league baseball, but he has been assigned to the Florida Complex League on a rehab assignment.

I honestly don’t have the highest of hopes. Votto is 40, and his bWAR has been slightly negative in the last two seasons. But it will be an interesting story to follow. And I’ll hope the best.

And the Jays say they didn’t know Yimi Garcia had elbow pain before yesterday.

If he goes on the IL, I guess Yariel Rodriguez will come up soon anyway (he’s travelling with the Jays now). That would allow the Jays to use Trevor Richards and Bowden Francis in a more normal bullpen slot.

I would like to get a look at Hagen Danner at some point. He has a 3.18 ERA in 22 games at Buffalo. In 22.2 innings, he’s allowed 22 hits, 4 home runs, 9 walks and 24 strikeouts. But I know they would be more likely to bring up Ryan Burr, at least for the few days before Rodriguez would be called up.

Yesterday, Mookie Betts was hit in the hand with a pitch, fracturing it, and I’ve read way too many things about how the Dodgers will trade for Bo Bichette. I’m sure the Dodgers will call and see if there is something there.

I guess we’ll see. I feel bad for Betts.

Alan Roden is up with the Bisons now, taking Nathan Lukes spot (Lukes had surgery on his UCL on his left thumb). Roden was hitting .267/.373/.432 in 54 games with the Fisher Cats before being moved up. He can play all the outfield spots but has only played left and right this season.