What Is Going To Happen with Joey Votto?

Mysterious.  Scary.  Both words accurately describe the situation regarding Reds first baseman Joey Votto.  On Saturday, the Reds placed Votto on the 15-day disabled list because of "stress-related issues."

May 11 - After a bout with the flu, Votto returns to starting lineup in Arizona.

May 12 - Leaves the game in the fifth inning because of dizziness.

May 15 - Returns to lineup in San Diego and homers.

May 16 - Leaves game after four innings because of dizziness. 

After the second bout of dizziness, Votto stayed in San Diego for tests as the team flew back to Cincinnati. 

He went through more tests when he returned to Cincinnati and was diagnosed with an inner ear infection.  At that time, he was listed as day-to-day.

May 23 - Returned to the lineup, hitting home runs in each of his first two at-bats.

May 29 - Left game in Milwaukee after second inning.

Wilkin Castillo was called up to take Votto's roster spot.  Castillo provides the Reds with some versatility.  He has played every position except pitcher and first base.

The Reds do not have a true first baseman without Votto.  Ramon Hernandez and Adam Rosales will get most of the playing time, with Ryan Hanigan logging innings behind the dish.

Everyone involved has been very tight-lipped about the situation.  Dusty Baker simply said that Votto was dealing with a personal issue. 

Baker addressed the team on Saturday and said that they were not informed of what was wrong.  This could be true, but I think it could also be a method to keep media members from hounding players with questions about Votto.  Who knows?

Walt Jocketty said the issue was something Joey needed "some time away to deal with."

The situation makes you think about Khalil Greene of the Cardinals.  He was placed on the disabled list with a condition that causes incessant anxiety based on a fear of failure that feeds his self-consciousness.

One might say that Votto has not really experienced much failure this year.  He has clearly been the Reds' best player and among the National League batting leaders. 

He is a quiet leader and very private person.  I remember when he was placed on bereavement leave last year because of his father's death.

Is he a perfectionist?  Does he put too much pressure on himself?  If so, it definitely does not show on the field.  Votto has proven to be a clutch hitter and become a fan-favorite in Cincinnati.

Is he suffering from an anxiety disorder?  Possibly.  Anxiety can be devastating mentally and physically.  It is hard to understand such a condition if you have never experienced it.

Yes, the Reds need Joey Votto.  He is the best player on the team.  However, this goes beyond baseball.  He needs to get well.

Votto is a young man with enormous talent and unlimited potential.  I hope that he conquers this obstacle with the same ferocity that he does National League pitchers.