Reds star Joey Votto suspended two games by MLB; he will appeal

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has been suspended two games and he will appeal the decision, it was announced Friday by Joe Garagiola Jr., senior vice president of standards and on-field operations for Major League Baseball.

The 2010 National League MVP lost his cool Wednesday night when home plate umpire Bill Welke ejected the first baseman after the two had words following a strike call in the eighth inning of Cincinnati’s 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Votto, who said he requested time out but was denied, slammed his helmet to the ground and confronted Welke.

Reds Manager Bryan Price and some teammates soon arrived to separate the two, along with first base umpire Laz Diaz, helping escort Votto to the dugout. Price continued to question Welke over what happened and was also ejected.

Votto, who has been ejected from games three times this season, served a one-game suspension in May because he bumped home plate umpire Chris Conroy during an argument after he was ejected following a strikeout.

“I disagree with the suspension. I disagree with the ejection,” Votto told reporters Friday evening after explaining he had politely asked for time out. “Did I overreact? Yeah, I did overreact. But I felt so compelled and was in such an intense place. Who’s to decide how angry I’m allowed to get as long as I follow the rules? I didn’t touch him.”

Votto said that Welke’s denial for time out will be central to his appeal.

“I’ve played for nine years now,” Votto said. “I’m granted a little bit extra time as long as I’m not showing up the umpire. There was no behavior along those lines. We have a good relationship, myself and umpires in general. I’ve got a great track record. He said no, you can’t have time.

“I’ve never seen that before and I don’t know if he has a track record of saying no. It was just such an odd scenario and I didn’t get it, I didn’t get it at all.”

Internet and wire reports contributed to this story.