Don't look for Joey Votto's power to return anytime soon
Ever since coming off the 15-day disabled list, Joey Votto has not hit for much power, as he has yet to hit a home run in 13 games for the Reds. He does have five doubles over that span to go with a .300 batting average and a .410 on-base percentage. That's not a bad combination, but going forward, Fantasy owners should not look for a resurgence of home run power to go along with the rest of his stat line.
Even before his DL stint, Votto's home run power had been diminished, and for the second straight season, his flyball rate has dipped. Last season, it plunged from 33 to 23 percent, and so far in 2014, it has fallen just below the 20 percent mark. While many Fantasy owners were less than thrilled about Votto's 24 home runs from a season ago, he's not a safe bet to reach even 15 this year.
Votto has always been able to square up the ball, and this season's 36 percent line drive rate and 2 percent popup rate show he hasn't lost that skill at all. His ability to draw walks, hit for average and produce doubles will make him close to an elite first baseman in points leagues, but in Rotisserie formats, he can no longer be counted on to be a top five option at the position.
