CINCINNATI -- Joey Votto will be sitting out when the Reds face the Brewers in Milwaukee Friday night after he got his two-game suspension cut in half.
Adam Duvall will start at first while Votto serves the suspension.
Major League Baseball originally suspended Votto for two games over an outburst at Great American Ball Park last week. Votto appealed and got the suspension reduced to one game.
The Reds first baseman also was fined an undisclosed amount.
Votto was ejected Sept. 9 by plate umpire Bill Welke during the eighth inning of a 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh at Great American Ball Park. He took a second called strike during the at-bat and asked for timeout, but was denied.
The 2010 National League MVP had declined to talk about the matter until he received notice of his suspension Sept. 11. Votto said he politely asked for timeout, using the word "please" three times, but Welke twice said no.
Votto said he'd never been refused a timeout in the major leagues.
"I've played for nine years now," Votto said during his 10-minute explanation to the media outside the Reds' clubhouse. "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."
During the loud disagreement that followed, Votto waved his arm and yelled at Welke. He said he used profanity, but didn't spit on the umpire and didn't bump him. Reds manager Bryan Price also was ejected.
"Did I overreact? Yeah, I did overreact," Votto said. "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.
"I disagree with the suspension. I disagree with the ejection."
The ejection was Votto's third of the season and seventh of his career. He was suspended for one game after bumping umpire Chris Conroy on May 6. Votto publicly apologized for his behavior after that confrontation.
CONTINUE READING: Votto defends his outburst
