In what could be his final MLB game, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto didn't even make it to the second inning.
The 40-year-old veteran was ejected by home plate umpire Shane Livensparger after the first inning in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Votto struck out in his first at-bat that included a strike-two call that was off the plate.
After making his way back to the Reds clubhouse, Votto took to social media to apologize to fans for the incident.
"I cannot holler at the umpire from our team's bench. He was completely justified in ejecting me," he said.
"For those that wanted to see me play today, I am sorry."
Votto has a $20 million team option with a $7 million buyout for 2024, which is likely to be declined by the Reds, making the former MVP a free agent.
He missed the beginning of the 2023 season after undergoing shoulder surgery that ended his 2022 season. Coming into the final day of his 17th big league campaign, Votto was hitting .203/.315/.425 with 14 home runs and 38 RBI in 64 games.
While Votto has not committed to retiring, he has said that he will weigh his options at the end of the season.
In his potentially final home game with Cincinnati on Sept. 24, the Canadian received a standing ovation before his first at-bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
If this is, in fact, the last time Votto suits up on an MLB field, he is ending his career with a solid case to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and as one of the best Canadian hitters ever.
Entering Sunday, he has played in 2055 career games with a .294/.409/.511 slash line with 356 home runs. He also was a six-time All-Star and the 2010 NL MVP.
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