It looks like Homer could be back for a prolonged stay, but I don't really care too much about that. His command has been off in his limited appearances, but even if he does get it together, I think the Reds are going to need lots of offense (a tall order) to pull off a victory anytime he's on the mound. There's also the Dickerson v. Taveras debate. Dickerson obviously has the numbers advantage so far, not to mention his amazing defense in centerfield (Baseball Tonight couldn't get enough of Dickerson when he got those few starts awhile ago), but it doesn't look like Baker or the front office are going to change their minds for the long term. Sure, Dickerson will get his playing time, either in center or left, but money is money and orders are orders, so just let Taveras play and work himself out of his slump, which he is slowly but surely doing.

Votto's return prompts the question of when Ryan Hanigan will get any significant amount of playing time. He certainly proved himself in Votto's absence, as did Jonny Gomes from the DH spot in interleague play. Finding playing time for these players and good offensive combinations that can actually score runs are two huge problems looming over the second half of the season. But this problem isn't really a problem. Better to have too many people than too few. 

Hopefully the Reds will be able to continue beating the Cardinals at home this weekend and occupy one of those spots at the top of the division. Once there, I think the Reds will be rejuvenated after the All Star break, then slowly extend that division lead into the fall. Of course there are some problems, but things are starting to fall into place: the bench players are contributing, the first baseman is an MVP candidate, and the starting rotation should be back to normal sometime after the All Star break. Granted, there's a big road trip before the break, but it's in the east against the Phillies and the ailing Mets. My 7-man baseball team with no uniforms and little to none athletic ability could beat the Mets right now, and the Reds played the Phillies hard back in May. This is a scrapping baseball team with lots of upside, but consistency is key to winning and the Reds haven't exactly proven to be consistent just yet. Even so, they've been contending all season long and will continue to do so, but from the 1st and 2nd place positions.

Votto going on the DL for "stress-related issues" has obviously confused more than a few people. At first glance your natural response is "Wtf!? Man up Joey, life is tough sometimes. Playing in the major leagues is stressful, get used to it," or something similiar. I've seen versions of this on message boards or blogs in the Reds internetland.

But it's painfully obvious that we're not getting the whole story here. I refer back to last season when Votto mysteriously went on the bereavement list. Later on we learned that it was because his father died. I was shocked honestly that this kid was able to play at all the rest of the season. I sure as hell would have had a real hard time doing it, especially as quickly as he was able to return. I gained some major respect for him on top of the already growing respect I had for him. But he was tight-lipped about it and so were the Reds on why he was gone, it was like a week or two after he came back that anyone heard why.

My point being, I think the same thing is going on here. So lay off the guy will you. "Stress-related issues" is no different than a political cover-up story. I know most fans do realize this, but for those who don't it's time to change your opinion.

Enough said.

• Mike Lincoln designated for assignment.  Walt should just admit he made a mistake and let him walk.  Bring up Viola or Roenicke so the bullpen can be whole again.  Sorry, Mike, you had a really good 2008, but it's just not happening this year.  You are a batting tee and the Reds cannot afford to keep you on the roster.
• (This will be unpopular) Send Adam Rosales back to AAA Louisville.  Hustle only gets you so far, Adam.  I'm not comparing him to Ryan Freel because I do believe Rosales actually has talent.  But, lately, Adam has REALLY seemed lost at the plate.  He had not one but two chances to win Sunday's game with nothing short of a routine fly ball.  He couldn't do that.  Saturday night, don't be fooled, if not for a terrible throw by Fontenot, Bruce would have been out at the plate and Rosales wouldn't have come through.  I love the kid's fire and enthusiasm, but he's not getting it done.
• Nick Masset assumes the 8th inning.  He shares it with Arthur Rhodes.  David Weathers is NOT a setup man right now. 
  
• I know this one can't happen pronto, but Edwin Encarnacion, like him or not, needs to get healthy in a hurry.  Jerry Hairston is not a third baseman.  Yeah yeah the Reds win with him in the lineup, but he's not a third baseman. 
  
• Oh...Joey Votto, get well soon!! 
  

It feels wrong worrying so much about the team and standings when there may be something seriously wrong with one of the best young players in baseball.  I just hope everything goes well and he can get everything cleared up.  But I'm sure he'll be able to bounce back soon enough and help get this team to the playoffs.