"Reds manager Dusty Baker said had he planned to rest Joey Votto sometime during the Mets series, and Votto took a seat for the series opener Monday night.

"You've seen Joey lately, ain't you?" Baker said. "He's been struggling, so today was a day to give him off."

Entering Monday, Votto in his last five games was hitting .118 (2-for-17). Since the All-Star break Votto is hitting .212 with no homers and four RBI. His last homer was July 8.

Votto overall is hitting .315 with 13 homers and 59 RBI this season. He made the All-Star team for the second straight year, and entered Monday leading the NL in on-base percentage (.425), walks (70) and batting average with runners in scoring position (.424).

Votto had started every game but one this season.

"You've got to give him off sometime," Baker said. "You could tell, his concentration, his quickness ... I told him to come in late.""