Joey Votto ejected, losses it on umpire Bill Welke

Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto had to be restrained by coaches and umpires on Wednesday night after a heated exchange with home-plate umpire Bill Welke.

The meltdown was brewing all night as Votto was unhappy with Welke’s strikezone. Votto had struck out twice already when he came to the plate in the eighth inning with two on, one out, and the Reds trailing the Pirates 5-3. Votto took a called second strike outside the zone, had a few words for Welke, turned to his dugout to say something and was immediately rejected.

In protest, Votto slammed him helmet down and got right in the face of Welke. He had to be restrained by third base coach Jim Riggleman and first-base umpire Lance Diaz while manager Bryan Price took up his fight with Welke.

Here’s Price, who was also ejected, on what started it:

“My understanding is that Joey asked for time and Welke didn’t grant it,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “That’s what got it started.”

“I know that Joey looked over to the dugout and that’s my sign to get out there. He was already ejected before I could get there. Our argument is that if someone asks for time he should get it. Joey handled the situation professionally until he got upset,” he said. “You can argue about how you act when you’re upset. Joey was upset. Bill was upset. I was upset. There were a lot of upset people out there.”

Wednesday’s incident was not the first time Votto and Welke have butted heads. Welke tossed him for arguing balls and strikes in a 2009 game.

It was the third time Votto has been ejected this season. He was ejected in May and served a one-game suspension for bumping umpire Chris Conroy in a game, also against the Pirates. Don’t be surprised if Votto gets another league-mandated off day this week, or at least a fine.

The silver lining? Reds rookie Ramon Cabrera took Votto’s spot and despite entering with the 1-2 count singled home a run for his first career big-league hit. Though, the Pirates held on for a 5-4 win and the Reds lost their 81st game of the season.

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