Reds place 1B Joey Votto on 15-day DL with complications from inner ear infection

Reds place 1B Joey Votto on 15-day disabled list

MILWAUKEE — The Cincinnati Reds placed first baseman Joey Votto on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, citing stress-related issues linked to his recent struggles with an inner ear infection.

“It’s something that was affecting his play,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said.

Votto left Friday night’s game against Milwaukee after missing 12 starts and leaving two other games early during a 17-game stretch this month. He was expected to head back to Cincinnati, and Jocketty said the timeline for his return was unclear.

Votto ranks among the NL leaders with a .357 batting average. He has eight home runs and 33 RBIs.

To replace him on the roster, the Reds recalled utility player Wilkin Castillo from Triple-A Louisville. Ramon Hernandez was in the lineup at first base for Cincinnati on Saturday night.

The Reds did get some good news Saturday, when second baseman Brandon Phillips returned to the lineup, batting cleanup. Phillips hadn’t started since last Saturday because of a hairline fracture on the tip of his right thumb.