Joey Votto's rehab stint with Louisville Bats delayed by rain

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was scheduled to begin a rehabilitation assignment Tuesday night with Triple-A Louisville, but he’ll have to wait until Wednesday. The game was postponed by rain.

Votto hasn’t played since May 5. He suffered a fractured thumb when he was hit by a pitch during a game against the Chicago Cubs. He was played on the injured list May 7.

Reds manager David Bell said Votto has been swinging the bat in practice but still feels pain catching the ball at first base.

“It’s healing and getting better each day,” Bell said, “but it’s not quite ready for impact. You’re catching balls that are coming at a high velocity.”

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The Bats planned to use Votto as the designated hitter Tuesday and put him in the leadoff spot. They play St. Paul at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Louisville and then play a doubleheader Thursday.

The Reds were 14-15 when Votto suffered the injury. He hit .226 with five home runs in 29 games.

Since Votto’s injury, the Reds are 10-14. They fell to 24-29 with a 17-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park. Mike Moustakas, Kyle Farmer, Alex Blandino and Tyler Stephenson have started games at first base in Votto’s absence.