PHOENIX (AP) — Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was placed on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder discomfort on Thursday ahead of an important four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Votto, who turns 40 on Sept. 10, didn’t make his season debut until June 19 while rehabbing from left shoulder surgery in August 2022, when he had a torn rotator cuff and biceps repaired. Votto missed opening day for the first time since 2008.

Reds manager David Bell said he’s hopeful it’s a short-term injury. Votto left the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Angels after the shoulder became too sore for him to contribute.

“For me, it’s a day-to-day thing, a commitment over the next 10 days to strengthen his shoulder, with the goal of getting him back as quick as we can,” Bell said. “He’s obviously a huge part of our team, so it’s a disappointing setback, but there’s still time in the season where he can strengthen it and get back.”

He returned to the lineup June 19 and has played regularly at first base and designated hitter. The six-time All-Star is hitting .200 with 13 homers.

Cincinnati recalled utilityman Nick Senzel from Triple-A Louisville to take Votto’s place on the roster.

The Reds and Diamondbacks are among six teams in contention for the National League’s three wild-card spots. Cincinnati began the night in the third wild card position, a half-game ahead of San Francisco and Arizona.