Cincinnati Reds infielder Joey Votto has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for arguing with the home-plate umpire during Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres.
MLB’s original statement had Votto suspended two games, but it was reduced after the 37-year-old Canadian appealed the decision. Votto is serving the suspension on Tuesday, in the Reds’ game against the Minnesota Twins.
Votto was ejected in the first inning of the game following the argument, which started when the Reds infielder was called out on a checked swing. Padres catcher Webster Rivas appealed after Votto offered at the high, outside pitch from Miguel Diaz, and third-base umpire Chris Guccione confirmed that Votto went around.
The batter proceeded to say something to Guccione, which prompted home-plate umpire Ryan Additon to reprimand Votto. As the argument between ump and hitter escalated, Reds manager David Bell ran onto the field to join in. Bell and coaches Delino DeShields and Freddie Benavides had to keep Votto away from Additon, who then ejected the player and the manager.
A Padres fan was also ejected from the stands following the play.
In the statement announcing Votto’s suspension and fine, MLB justified the disciplinary measures by describing the incident as “aggressive actions.”
The Reds sent an autographed ball to a young girl who was attending her first big league game and said Votto was her favorite player.
Votto wrote, “I am sorry I didn’t play the entire game” next to his autograph.
With files from The Associated Press.
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