Joey Votto’s rehab stalled by rainy weather

The Cincinnati Reds were hoping to have star first baseman Joey Votto test out his strained left quad by taking batting practice on Tuesday night. Unfortunately that step had to be put on hold because the Reds’ batting practice was cut short by rainy weather, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

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This should be nothing more than a one day hold-up, however, as Votto sounds hopeful about the progress he has made:

"“I feel good, a lot better than a few weeks ago,” Votto said before going on the field. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and being a part of the routine. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to do the things that are asked of us on a daily basis. I’m excited.”"

Furthermore, Votto believes he can return as a throwback version of himself when he’s healthy.

"“I feel like I was before I got hurt earlier in the season,” he said. “If I can get to a good place, you’re going to see a little bit more of the younger version of me.”"

Whatever that might mean.

Votto is an elite defender and an on-base ninja. It bothers some people, his local announcers in particular, that he doesn’t swing more or drive in more runs. He has not helped the cause when it comes to squashing that narrative in 2014: through 39 games he was batting .257 with six home runs but just 12 RBI. Yes, he is getting on-base at a .410 clip, but that just doesn’t seem to cut it for our assessment of him.

Perhaps the younger version will be different at the plate. Or maybe he’ll just run faster. Who knows?