Last week, Reds first baseman Joey Votto was not home plate umpire Bill Welke’s biggest fan. He had asked for time while standing at home plate and was denied by Welke. Votto motioned to the dugout, ostensibly for manager Bryan Price to talk with Welke, but Votto was promptly ejected, which prompted him to slam his helmet down and get in Welke’s face while yelling.
The outburst originally landed Votto a two-game suspension, but he appealed it. The Reds announced that his suspension has been reduced to one game. He’ll serve that one game Friday night in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Adam Duvall is at first base and batting seventh in Votto’s place against Brewers starter Zach Davies.
Votto, 32, is having an outstanding season, batting .313/.460/.551 with 27 home runs, 73 RBI, 91 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases while playing above-average defense. If not for Bryce Harper’s historically-great year, Votto would merit consideration for the National League Most Valuable Player Award.