After originally being scheduled to join the Buffalo Bisons on Friday, Joey Votto was removed from the team’s lineup shortly ahead of first pitch.
The Blue Jays announced that Votto tweaked his right ankle while going through his pre-game work.
Votto will be re-evaluated tomorrow to determine his activity and pain level.
“One step closer,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said earlier Friday when it was assumed Votto would play, adding that his physical recovery and on-field performance will determine what happens next.
Signed to a minor-league deal by the Blue Jays before the season, Votto is working back from a sprained ankle he suffered during spring training, which has kept him off the field for three months.
The 40-year-old Votto returned to game action in mid-June with Blue Jays’ lower-level, minor-league affiliates in Florida.
In 16 games in the Florida Complex League and single-A Dunedin, Votto slashed .186/.321/.326 with one home run and eight RBIs.
Before signing with the Blue Jays, Votto spent his entire major-league career with the Cincinnati Reds.
The infielder was the National League MVP in 2010.
