Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
After a couple disappointing, injury-riddled seasons, former star first baseman Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds is well on his way to a bounce-back season. The slugger is hitting .300 with 13 home runs and 35 RBI, and three of those home runs came in the same game, on Tuesday night.
Right now, Votto isn’t even ranked in the top five at first base in National League All-Star voting, but he should be. Of course, first base is one of the better offensive positions in the league, with Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Rizzo, Adrian Gonzalez and Freddie Freeman all at the position in the NL.
Still, with the season he’s having and the fact the All-Star Game is in Cincinnati, where Votto has played every home game of his entire career, he should be playing in the Mid-Summer Classic.
When there’s someone having as good of a season as he’s having and his team is hosting the All-Star Game, things usually have a way of working themselves out. Perhaps, with his dramatic three-home-run night, Votto can boost his case to be featured in the game.
Certainly, fans in Cincinnati would love if he’s able to play in front of them along with all the other All-Stars this July, but they’re just happy to have their slugger back. With the Reds not playing for much this season, that game could be the highlight of the year for both Votto and the fans.
After an impressive three-homer night, voters and the National League coaching staff need to take notice. Votto belongs in the All-Star Game.
