Reds' Votto suspended for confrontation with umpire
CHICAGO — Reds first baseman Joey Votto was suspended for one game and fined by Major League Baseball for making contact with an umpire during Wednesday night's 3-0 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park.
He was going to serve his suspension Friday against the White Sox, but the game was postponed.
Votto's trouble began when he struck out to end the third inning against the Pirates. He flung his bat and helmet to the ground. He then said something as he walked to his position and was ejected.
Votto charged umpire Chris Conroy, and the two bumped chests before Reds manager Bryan Price intervened.
• Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter will miss this weekend's series against the Pirates because of fatigue and an accelerated heart rate. Carpenter remained in St. Louis and had “extreme fatigue” and also was dealing with the heart rate issue.
• Injured Mets third baseman David Wright has developed back pain, and his rehabilitation program has been put on hold. Wright went on the 15-day disabled list April 15 because of a strained right hamstring.
• Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is scheduled to join Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday. The Rangers said Hamilton is set to move up from extended spring training this weekend.
• The Indians signed former All-Star closer Carlos Marmol, 32, to a minor league contract. Marmol was 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in 15 games for Miami last season. He was signed by Cincinnati in May and released in November.
• Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg said he feels much better after visiting a chiropractor and will throw a bullpen session Saturday. That will determine whether he makes his next scheduled start Monday.
• Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has lost his appeal of a one-game suspension for bumping an umpire and sat out Friday's game against the Blue Jays.
• The Royals placed left-hander Jason Vargas on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a strained left flexor.
• Rays right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb will have season-ending elbow ligament replacement surgery. Surgery might be next week.
