Joey Votto's 14-season opening day starting streak for Reds to end Thursday

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto will begin the season on the injured list due to his surgically repaired shoulder, ending his streak of 14 consecutive opening day starts.

Votto underwent surgery on his left rotator cuff and biceps last August and isn't ready for the start of the season. Votto said Monday he will report to triple-A Nashville later this week and begin a minor league rehab stint on Friday.

Votto, 39, expressed disappointment at a news conference he would miss Thursday's opener against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.

"It saddens me because opening day means a lot to our city," Votto said. "It means a lot to me. This is just how it is shaking out this year. I'm trying to hustle back and get back in uniform as quickly as possible and help the team. It's just going to be a little bit later this year."

Votto received just 22 spring training at-bats (with four hits) and felt that wasn't enough activity to get him ready for the season.

"What led me to that decision was just not being ready," Votto said. "Starting a good bit behind during spring training, still working through some of the rehab process. Not accumulating enough time in the field. Not accumulating enough at-bats.

"[Sunday] was the first day where I felt semi-close to being able to play close to 100 per cent. It takes a stretch of time feeling that way before you feel like you are regular season ready."

Votto, a six-time all-star, began his opening day starting streak in 2009. The first day he will be eligible to play for the Reds this season is April 6.

Cincinnati's options to start at first base on opening day include Tyler Stephenson, Wil Myers and Jason Vosler. The latter isn't on the 40-man roster so the Reds would have to do some