Reds 1B Joey Votto suspended two games for altercation with umpire
Reds first baseman Joey Votto has been suspended two games by MLB for arguing with an umpire in a game on Sept. 9, the league announced.
During the Reds’ 5–4 loss, Votto was unhappy with a called strike from home plate umpire Bill Welke. He turned and yelled into the Reds dugout, and was immediately ejected.
He then spiked his helmet in the dirt and berated Welke just inches from his face. Manager Bryan Price then came out to defend his heated slugger and was ejected as well.
“I think Joey handled himself professionally up until the ejection and then was rightfully upset,” Price told reporters after the game, according to Cincinnati.com. “How do you qualify what’s the right way to be upset? He was upset. Bill was upset. I was upset. There was a lot of upset people today. You know, and that’s – we felt it was warranted.”
Votto will appeal the suspension, making him eligible to play Friday against the Cardinals.
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Votto addressed the media for more than 10 minutes before Friday night's game. Cincinatti.com has the full video of Votto's comments, which can be viewed below:
- Kenny Ducey
