How Cincinnati Reds keeping 'door open' for Joey Votto when impact mentor done playing

GOODYEAR, Arizona —Joey Votto is gone, but certainly not forgotten by former teammates in the first Cincinnati Reds spring training of any of their lives without with him.

And maybe a return to the organization that declined the franchise icon’s 2024 contract option in November isn’t out of the question.

“I’ve left the door open for him to come back,” team president Nick Krall said.

To be clear, he’s not talking about signing the still-available free agent for some kind of headline-making move this spring.

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But as a mentor, coach, guest instructor, ambassador or special assistant — maybe even sooner rather than later, depending on his playing intentions and desire to return?

"I’ve left the door open for that,” Krall said. “I’d love to have Joey in the organization, once his playing days are over. He’s a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer. He’s very well respected in the organization, and we all love him.”

For now, the former MVP, six-time All-Star and lifetime Red has said he wants to play at least one more season and remains among a large number of free agents still on the market a week into spring training — recently posting an instagram story showing a full beard during work in the cage and a message suggesting he’s not ready to hang it up.

Votto also appears to be having a lot of fun hanging out with NHL mascots in between workouts, a long way from Arizona it would appear.

The Reds front office has not talked to him in the few months since parting ways.

Jonathan India progressing from offseason foot surgery

Reds manager David Bell said that Jonathan India was given a rest day on Wednesday, which was built into his schedule for the start of the spring. India dealt with plantar fasciitis last year, and Bell said that India’s plantar fasciitis tore on its own over the winter.

During the offseason, India had to stay off of his left foot for six weeks. Bell said that because the plantar fasciitis tore on its own, he can’t reinjure it.

“There’s nothing to reinjure, but he still gets sore,” Bell said. “That’s normal. That’s why we’re giving him the off days.”

The Reds are beginning India’s work in the outfield as he prepares to play multiple positions in 2024. He’s also an option at first base this season.

David Bell gives injury updates

Bell said that reliever Alex Young is progressing each day from back tightness. “He had an injection, and he’s going to be fine in a matter of a few days,” Bell said.With reliever Sam Moll (shoulder), “Everything has been normal,” Bell said. “Exactly how we planned it out. He’s ready to go. There’s plenty of time for Opening Day.”

Cactus League Opening Day starter

Reds right-handed pitcher Carson Spiers is scheduled to start the spring training opener on Feb. 24. Spiers got called up to MLB from Double-A last year, and he’s a versatile pitcher who will likely spend time as both a starting pitcher and a reliever this year.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Door Open': Could Joey Votto return to Cincinnati Reds, and if so when?