Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) walks to force in a run with the bases loaded during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies. Kareem Elgazzar via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Reds' Joey Votto serves one-game suspension

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/22/21

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was sent to the showers in the first inning of Saturday's showdown with the San Diego Padres for arguing a call he probably should've just let go and then refusing to leave the field.

Joey Votto has been ejected from today's game.

He struck out on a check swing and had words for the umpires after the call. pic.twitter.com/LbAiIx7JIw
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 19, 2021

Per Mark Sheldon of the MLB website, the six-time All-Star and one-time Most Valuable Player appealed the two-game suspension he initially received for his actions and served a reduced one-game ban for the Tuesday afternoon game at the Minnesota Twins.

"The quick turnaround, we have an off-day [Wednesday] -- give him a couple of days, and he’ll be back in there Thursday," manager David Bell said of sitting Votto before Tuesday's development was announced.

Votto is batting .240 with eight home runs and 30 RBI on the season that included a wonderful moment featuring the 37-year-old surprising arguably his biggest fan who was quite distraught after her favorite player was bounced from Saturday's contest.

The Reds began Tuesday's action at 35-36 and in fourth place in the National League Central standings, four games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs atop the division.

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