Blue Jays reportedly 'open to promoting' Joey Votto if he's ready for shot in the big leagues

The Blue Jays are reportedly open to promoting six-time All-Star Joey Votto if the potential Hall of Famer is ready for the big league call.

Manager John Schneider told the media earlier this week the team would consider calling Votto up, if he is physically and mechanically right. Having Votto in the Toronto clubhouse could be a benefit, he added.

"You sign him for a reason," Schneider said. "I think you make room for him. And I think having a guy like him here within this clubhouse goes a long way."

Recovering from injuries as he tries to return to the majors, Votto, 40, is currently playing with the Buffalo Bisons, Toronto's Triple-A affiliate. He's been with the team for weeks, but because of an ankle injury, only recently started getting into games. In seven games with Buffalo, Votto has gone 4-for-16 with a home run, three RBI, four runs, two walks and eight strikeouts.

Votto's time with the Buffalo Bisons has yielded benefits for current Bisons already. Buffalo manager Casey Candaele told Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, he was encouraging Bisons players to talk baseball with Votto. Candaele said if a young player doesn't take an opportunity like this to pick the brain of a veteran like Votto, that player is "kind of an idiot."

That statement echoes what Schneider said about Votto being an addition to a clubhouse. Since a number of Bisons have been called up to the majors this season — and young guys like Leo Jimenez, Spencer Horwitz and Addison Barger are seeing a lot of playing time — they too could also benefit from talking shop with a pro like Votto.

But a call to Toronto isn't going to just be handed to him. Votto knows that, telling Davidi there is a big gap between where he is at the plate and where he wants to be. He is working in Buffalo, building up his speed and stamina, as well as his endurance. This week, Votto played first base in back to back days for the first time this year. But there is still a way to go, as Votto has played in just 23 games and made only 68 plate appearances in total this season.

Votto, who grew up in the Toronto suburb of Etobicoke, Ont., spent 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. He is a Gold Glove Award and Hank Aaron Award winner, as well as the 2010 National League Most Valuable Player. He signed a minor league deal with Toronto in March.