Reds' Votto says recovering swing is a process

Joey Votto went 2-for-4 with two walks for the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Both of the hits were singles. Votto has been getting his hits since returning from knee surgery -- he's 10-for-33 -- but only two have been for extra bases (both doubles).

Votto is working to change that.

"Driving the ball through the middle of the field, through the gaps, out of the ballpark," he said. "That will come at some point. Some players just have the natural stroke that you throw them in the lineup and all of the sudden they turn on a ball and hit it out of the ballpark.

"I feel like I've got a process swing. It takes a long time to get to where it needs to be and to stay there. The advantage -- if I'm healthy -- more often than not, it tends to stay there."

Votto missed 49 games. So his return is like starting over in spring training.

"It's like an abbreviated version," Votto said. "I'm glad I got those rehab games in. It was pretty ugly-looking at first."

The knee has not been a major factor. He has started all 10 games since returning from the disabled list.

"I feel it less and less every day," Votto said.