The Buffalo Bisons announced on X that Etobicoke product Joey Votto is being promoted to triple-A for the Friday series against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The veteran first baseman has spent the first half of the campaign down in rookie league ball and single-A after suffering an injury to his ankle when he stepped on a bat during a Spring Training game.
Votto signed a late minor league deal with the Blue Jays and was slated to compete with Daniel Vogelbach for a spot on the bench – working as the left-handed pinch-hitter or against right-handed pitchers in the DH spot.
The injury has kept Votto down in the lower level of the minors and he didn’t appear in any game action until June 15th.
Welcome to the Herd, Joey Votto! ⭐️
6x All Star is scheduled to make his Herd debut tonight as Bisons host @swbrailriders at 7:05pm for a Honda fridaynightbash!
🔗 https://t.co/6AR269G3Z0 pic.twitter.com/12X2EDmA6j
— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) July 19, 2024
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Between both levels, Votto has authored a .186/.321/.326 slash line with three doubles, one home run, and eight RBIs through 16 games. The former Cincinnati Red hit a .647 OPS and walked eight times compared to 14 strikeouts in the farm system.
If Votto can put together a strong showing in Buffalo, he can fastrack his way to the big leagues with the Blue Jays slated to be sellers at the trade deadline. If the likes of Danny Jansen, Justin Turner, and Kevin Kiermaier end up being moved, a spot should open up for Votto and some internal prospects to get more playing time at the big-league level.
While Votto doesn’t have to prove his worth after a stellar 17-year career in the MLB, one of the most decorated Canadian baseball players is now one step closer to suiting up for the Toronto Blue Jays.