Joey Votto didn't want to talk about the death of his father, Joe, and asked that people respect his privacy while he was gone for a week on bereavement leave.
And he still didn't want to talk about it Saturday and Sunday when he was back with the Cincinnati Reds, pinch-hitting in both games. Votto's name was back on the lineup card Tuesday, and without being asked he brought up the death of his father.
"Obviously, the last week was hard," he said. "Being around the guys is a real good distraction and really helps take my mind off everything.
"I love what I do, and this gives me an opportunity to do what my dad would want me to do. This was important to him, and he said he watched every game. It was part of his routine. He was a hard worker, too, one of those guys who did it every single day, then come (home) looking forward to watching my game."
Joe Votto was a chef for a retirement home, worked 9 to 5, but made sure he got to his suburban Toronto home in time to watch the Reds.
CUBS 5, REDS 0: Johnny Cueto held the Cubs to one run and four hits over seven innings, but Mike Lincoln gave up five in the eighth. The Reds managed only two singles against Rich Harden over seven innings, striking out 10 times against the right-hander.
