Welcome back Mr. Joey Votto! It has seemed like an eternity since Votto stepped on to the field after the COVID 19 scare that easily could have been a 10 game absence. Thankfully, he only miss 2 games. After an 0-11 skid, Votto came back to life with a game winning 2 run shot in the 6th inning. Nick Castellanos also added his 5th homer in the last 6 days. He’s been on an absolute tear this year and leads the Reds with 11 RBI’s at this point of the shortened season. Castellanos, starting this week off as hot as can be, is looking to repeat as the NL player of the week.

Now, let’s switch gears and talk pitching. Starter Sony Gray got off to a bit of a rough start after waiting on the rain delay to pass, which can throw anybody’s rhythm off, but eventually regrouped after giving up an early home run to Fransico Lindor. Overall, Gray pitched a great outing fanning 8 batters on 102 pitches. If the squad could stay healthy, there is a lot to be excited about for Reds fans.

Michael Lawson is a Contributor for the Unwrapped Sports Network. Follow him on Twitter @mdlawson00.