Reds' Votto decides to play for Canada in WBC

Votto got the last spot on Canada's team, but wanted to waited to see how his left knee felt before making a commitment. He had surgery to repair torn cartilage last season, missed 48 games and wasn't at full strength when he returned for the end of last season.

So far, his knee has felt fine. He even hit a home run last week, something he hadn't done since June 24 because he couldn't push off the knee after the. He played in eight of the Reds' first 11 exhibition games, going 6 for 16 with one homer and two doubles.

Votto grew up near Toronto and played for Canada in the 2009 WBC. He has received the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Tip O'Neill Award each of the last three seasons.

"I look forward to playing for the team," Votto said. "I look forward to being part of tournament. I had a great time last time. I never got to play in the Olympics. This is the next best thing."

The only thing holding him back was the uncertainty over his knee. He didn't want the WBC to get in the way of getting ready for the season.

"I wanted to make sure that I was ready for the Reds and my primary commitment, and to prepare to be a part of a championship team in 2013," Votto said.

The NL's 2010 MVP expects to be a designated hitter for Canada and split time with Minnesota's Justin Morneau at first base.