Votto contests two-game ban

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has appealed a two-game suspension for his home-plate tantrum Wednesday night. Major League Baseball also fined the Toronto native an undisclosed amount Friday. Votto got into an argument with umpire Bill Welke in Cincinnati’s 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh. 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.