Reds Clinch Playoff Berth

Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images(CHICAGO) -- The Cincinnati Reds became the first team in the majors to clinch a playoff spot when it defeated the Chicago Cubs Thursday, 5-3.

With the win, the Reds clinch at least a Wild Card in the National League and reduced their magic number for winning the NL Central to two.

“We’ve played very successful baseball this year, and we’ve competed with the best teams at a very high level,” Reds first baseman Joey Votto said. “We’ve done a lot of winning this year, but I think anything but setting the World Series as our standard, I think anything less would be selling ourselves short. Whether we achieve that or not is kind of irrelevant, but that’s our goal.”

Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto threw six scoreless innings, ending a personal three game losing streak in route to his 18th victory of the season.

The Reds where without skipper Dusty Baker for a second straight game. He is still in a Chicago hospital, missing his second straight game after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Joey Votto to Undergo Knee Surgery

Rich Pilling/Getty Images(CINCINNATI) -- Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has a torn meniscus in his left knee and will have arthroscopic surgery.

Despite the need for surgery, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty doesn't think this is too serious.

"It's a very simple procedure," Jocketty said on Fox Sports Ohio. "It takes 20 to 30 minutes. The doctor can give you better insight on exactly what the procedure is, but it's a very simple scope and repair. Probably three to four week recovery time and Joey feels very comfortable with the direction we're going in."

"He just wants to get it done with right away and get back to one-hundred percent and be ready for the last two months of the season," Jocketty added.

The injury occurred in a July 29 game versus the San Francisco Giants, but it didn't stop Votto from playing until he had a medical exam Monday night and realized the situation.

Votto is hitting .342, with 14 home runs, 49 RBIs and a .465 on-base percentage.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

MLB All-Stars Starters Announced

John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- The Texas Rangers will send outfielder Josh Hamilton, third baseman Adrian Beltre and catcher Mike Napoli to Kansas City on July 10 to start for the American League in Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star Game.

Hamilton received a record total of more than 11 million fan votes.

Joining the trio on the AL squad will be Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder, New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, shortstop Derek Jeter, outfielder Curtis Granderson, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Bautista and Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz.

The National League team will start San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla, San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal, San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera, Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder Matt Kemp and St. Louis Cardinals Outfielder Carols Beltran.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Votto Hits Three Homers, Reds Defeat Nationals 9-6

Rich Pilling/Getty Images(Cincinnati) -- Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto hit three home runs, including a walk-off grand slam, as the Reds beat the Washington Nationals 9-6.

"Number one you're hoping to get your leadoff man on, which we did," Reds manager Dusty Baker said when describing the ninth inning comeback. "Then Valdez (Wilson) layed down a perfect bunt. Then Rodriguez (Henry) couldn't find the plate. We had some big walks and we battled and battled. Then Joey came through. He had a great big day with the slam and six RBIs a three home runs. That's as good of a day as you'll see."

Votto is now hitting .319 with five homers, 24 RBIs and a .466 OBP.

The win puts the Reds 2.5 games behind the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.

Copyright 2012 ABC Sports Radio

Reds Reward Joey Votto With Mega-Contract Extension

Rich Pilling/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- Even though Cincinnati Reds fans feared they'd see star first baseman Joey Votto leave the team through free agency, he'll never get the chance to hit the open market. ESPN is reporting that the Reds have signed Votto to a 10-year $225 million extension.

The former National League MVP's contract will run through the 2023 season and is the fourth-biggest contract of all-time. It is the fourth $200+ million contract handed out to a first baseman since the end of last season. It is also the largest non-free agent contract ever given to a player.

The 28-year old Votto has been part of the Reds since his debut in 2007. In his five Major League seasons, Votto has only batted under .300 once (.297 average in 2008) and has established himself as one of the premier players in baseball. He took home the NL MVP Award in 2010 when he batted .324 with 37 home runs and driving in 113 runs.

In 2010, Votto helped lead the Reds to the postseason for the first time since 1995.