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Reds' Joey Votto Suspended for Aggressive Actions After Ejection vs. Padres

Adam WellsJune 22, 2021

Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto grabs himself while yelling towards the crowd after being ejected in the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Saturday, June 19, 2021, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)
AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan

Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto will miss one game because of a suspension for his aggressive actions toward an umpire in the first inning of Saturday's 7-5 loss to the San Diego Padres.

Per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, Votto is sitting out Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Twins to serve his suspension after his two-game ban was reduced to one on appeal.

Third base umpire Chris Guccione called out Votto on a check swing. The six-time All-Star had words for Guccione on his way to the dugout.

Home plate umpire Ryan Additon then appeared to say something that set Votto off. The Reds first baseman turned around and started arguing with Additon, and he got in his face after the ump tossed him from the game.

The ejection led to a viral moment involving a young Reds fan who was wearing a Votto T-shirt and attending her first game to see her favorite player. She was upset about only getting to see him take one at-bat, but Votto gave her an autographed baseball after learning about the situation.

Kristin @SuperBarry11

@Reds When it’s your first MLB game and your favorite player of all time gets thrown out of the game in the first inning…. 😥😥😥 #weloveyoujoey pic.twitter.com/h7lganVo3s

Kristin @SuperBarry11

I have an update on the sad Abigail situation! It took a couple of innings, but she eventually cheered up with some popcorn! And Joey Votto is SO KIND- he signed this amazing ball for her!! Thank you so much Mr. Votto & the wonderful @Reds ❤️⚾️ pic.twitter.com/aIsHx3r42N

Reds manager David Bell was also ejected from the game for arguing with the umpire.

Votto returned to the lineup Sunday, going 1-for-4 with an RBI in Cincinnati's 3-2 loss. The 37-year-old is hitting .240/.331/.435 with eight homers and 30 RBI in 43 games. 

Cincinnati wraps up a nine-game road trip Tuesday and has an off day Wednesday. The Reds begin an 11-game homestand Thursday against the Atlanta Braves.