"Edinson Volquez takes the ball for the Reds Saturday night for the first time since June 1, 2009.

Right-hander Volquez had Tommy John elbow surgery last Aug. 3, and has returned ahead of schedule. Volquez was an All-Star in 2008 but made only nine starts in 2009.

"It will probably feel like the first time ever," Volquez said of his emotions. "I'm excited. I don't know how I'm going to feel out there."

Volquez in six rehab starts (Lynchburg, Louisville), Volquez went 4-0 with a 1.45 ERA in 31 innings. He was hitting 97 mph on the radar gun and has been pain-free.

"I don't feel anything in my arm," Volquez said Friday. "It's like nothing happened."

The typical Tommy John recovery time is considered to be anywhere from a year to 18 months.

"What used to take 18 months is now taking 12," manager Dusty Baker said. "We tried not to rush him. He'll probably be better next year than this year, but who knows?"

VOTTO JUST KIDDING: First baseman Joey Votto was kidding when he said he does not like the Cubs. At least, Votto was sort of kidding.

"I was laughing when I said it," Votto said Friday. "I realized it was a Chicago reporter. … It was definitely taken out of context."

Votto, after the National League won Tuesday's All-Star game partially because of a key defensive play by Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd, was quoted as saying:

"I don't like the Cubs. And I'm not going to pat anybody with a Cubs uniform on the back. But because he made that really cool play, it turned out to be a really cool experience. I'm really glad we got the win today."

Votto was asked about the remark again Friday, the first time most Reds reporters had access to Votto since the All-Star game.

"I have the utmost respect for the Cubs in general, but not necessarily their fans," Votto said. "I can't stand hearing that 'Go Cubs Go' song."

Votto smiled as he said it. He also said he will not sign autographs for anyone wearing Cubs gear.

"I don't," he said. "It's kind of fun to play the heel."

Votto said he got along with Byrd famously in the NL All-Star dugout, but also reminded that the Cubs are an NL Central rival.

"It's a job to us," Votto said. "Just because we're in that setting for one day doesn't mean all of a sudden we're super close and we're tight. We're still competing.""