MILWAUKEE – Hours before losing their 20th game in a major league baseball season that’s only 23 games old, the Reds put slumping first baseman Joey Votto on the COVID-19 injured list.
Manager David Bell said Votto hasn’t tested positive for the virus.
Votto was in the original starting lineup for a series opener against the Brewers, but showed symptoms.
The six-time All-Star is hitting just .122 with no home runs and three RBIs, and had played in all 22 Cincinnati games this season going into last night’s game in Mikwaukee. He has struck out 29 times in 74 at-bats.
The 38-year-old Votto tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2021.
Cincinnati is struggling with the worst record in the major leagues at 3-20 after losing its seventh straight game and their 18th out of their last 19.
Brandon Woodruff struck out 12 to tie his career high, Willy Adames hit a three-run homer and the Brewers beat the Reds 6-3 on Tuesday night.
The NL Central-leading Brewers have won six of their last seven games.
Woodruff went 5 2/3 innings with three runs and no walks.
Tyler Mahle got the loss for the Reds.
Tommy Pham and Mike Moustakas hit home runs for Cincinnati.