JWill's 3 takes: Does Votto still bang? Face it, he may never again

Editor's note: "JWill's three takes" will be a regular feature on Cincinnati.com going forward. It will encapsulate what sports columnist Jason Williams observes in Cincinnati sports (and occasionally non-sports) and will serve as a sounding board/interaction with readers.

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1. Does Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto still bang?

It's not going to happen for a while and, let's face it, he may never return to form.

Bouncing back in 2023 from season-ending rotator cuff surgery is going to be tough for Votto, who turns 39 next month.

You can count on Votto to work like he's never worked before to get back, and Reds fans will love him even more for it. Votto is hellbent on strongly finishing out the 10-year, $225 million contract extension he signed in 2012. Next season is the final year of the deal, with a club option for 2024.

But no one can outwork Father Time.

I don't care what an athlete or team officials say: Fans and media should never downplay an injury. I learned that early in my career covering Major League Baseball. So-called minor injuries so often turn into a player being out for two months. Throw age and 16 years of big league wear-and-tear on the body into the equation, and, well, no one wants to think about the Reds without Joey.

It would royally stink if Votto can't bounce back. And by bounce back, I mean contribute regularly in 2023. No one wants to see Votto physically struggle through what could be the final season of his stellar career.

Could the designated hitter role provide a lifeline to get Votto through next season? Maybe, but the Reds' options at first base are limited. They may need to revisit in the offseason the idea of catcher Tyler Stephenson moving to first base.

2. Cincinnati Bengal quarterback Joe Burrow knows ... what he's saying

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow loves working with new center Ted Karras, one of three offensive linemen signed in the offseason to bolster what was the team's weakest link in 2021.

Burrow, who's concise and to the point in his interviews, ticked off what he likes about the seventh-year veteran.

Great guy. Great teammate. "Never have to worry about him missing an assignment," Burrow said.

Good one, Joe. It wasn't meant as shade toward anyone as the left side of the Bengals' rebuilt line struggles through camp. But Burrow is smart with his choice of words. He wants everyone to know that he sees Karras as part of the solution, an effort to change the narrative about the Bengals' offensive line.

3. What was Serena Williams wearing on her face?

Some have asked: Why was Serena Williams wearing black tape on her face during her Western & Southern Open match Tuesday night?

She wore a piece of medical tape on her right cheek to try to relieve sinus pain.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner began wearing the tape during matches earlier this year. The breathable tape reportedly is designed to lift her skin and relieve pressure on her sinuses.

Williams has battled sinus problems for many years, telling Reuters in 2007: “I’m a sinus sufferer. Playing tennis or pretty much doing anything every day is not easy when you have sinuses. You feel a lot of pressure, congestion and pain and training for grand slams ... it’s not easy."

Contact sports columnist Jason Williams by email at jwilliams@enquirer.com and Twitter @jwilliamscincy.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds fans must face reality: Joey Votto may never be same