What It Means:

This comes after he was placed on the injured list with no prior explanation. With Votto testing positive, he'll enter the MLB's COVID-19 protocol, and there's no clear date for a return to the organization. And even when he does return, it's unclear how long he'll need to be ready for the season. Scott Heineman and Kyle Farmer should be in line for more plate appearances in Spring Training and potentially into the start of the season.

Our models currently project Votto for a .263 batting average with a .799 OPS, 17 home runs, 65 RBI and 76 runs across 573 plate appearances this season.