By John Fay, Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto can't put a specific date on his return, but he sounded pleased with his progress.

"I don't know," Votto said. "But I've come a long way. I feel like I can't put day on it. But I feel like I've come a long way. I don't think it will be too much longer."

Votto will do his normal batting practice regiment today. Votto was not on the trip to Philadelphia with the team.

"I'll do all my baseball stuff," he said.

Votto is pleased with the way the team continues to play in his absence.

"I was telling you guys before I don't want to get ahead of myself," he said. "I don't think I carry a team. I know I fit in. This is a great example of how small one player's role is."

Votto has been out since July 16. He had arthroscopic knee surgery on the July 17. He had another procedure Aug. 10 after re-injuring the knee in a slide drill.

The Reds are 26-12 since he left the lineup