Cincinnati Reds' Playoff Hopes Takes a Blow as Joey Votto Goes Under the Knife

The Cincinnati Reds just announced that Joey Votto will be out for at least three weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee. According to the team's Twitter account, Joey will go under the knife on Tuesday to repair the injury that occurred on June 29 in San Francisco. 

In another article on ESPN, Votto is quoted as saying, "It is in my best interest and in the best interest of the team to do it now so that I can be healthy during the last two months of the pennant race." 

Votto has been the Reds' only consistent bat all season. In a batting lineup that has been full of ineptitude, Votto has provided a solid presence with his .342/.465/.604 slash line and league leading 36 doubles. The absence of his presence will most definitely be missed - not to be understated.

The Reds have a team BA of only .248 with runners on base. Votto's personal .376 BA with runners on has been by far and away the best on the team and tops in the league.

With the trade deadline just around the corner, this throws a whole new wrench into the Reds' plans. According to FOX Sports, the club has been looking at big bat alternatives and investigating bats like Juan Pierre, Denard Span and Shane Victorino to take over the leadoff spot. But will they now pursue that big right-handed power bat that they have been in need of even more aggressively?

The availability of Carlos Quentin and of Josh Willingham no doubt becomes even more appealing than it already was.

The next three to four weeks, while Votto is recouping, are going to be extremely crucial for this club. The Reds must maintain consistency and approach the trade deadline with utmost urgency. Some great things are coming together this season and it would be a shame to have the lose of Votto for a month erase it all.

Check out this article, Time for Cincinnati Reds' Jay Bruce to Live Up to His All-Star Status in the absence of Joey Votto.