Reds first baseman Joey Votto protested a called strike three in the first inning by home-plate umpire Carlos Torres on Wednesday vs. the Braves. Then, Votto kept protesting.

After several moments, Torres ejected Votto for arguing balls and strikes. It was the eighth ejection of his career and his first since Sept. 9, 2015.

Joey Votto has been ejected by home plate umpire Carlos Torres after being called out on strikes in the top of the 1st. #Reds
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 27, 2018

Votto looked at a called first strike vs. Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb and fouled off the second pitch. The third pitch, a 92-mph fastball high but over the plate was called a strike -- angering Votto. Torres let him vent his frustration for a little while as interim manager Jim Riggleman and third-base coach Billy Hatcher attempted to intervene. But it was to no avail and Votto was thrown out of the game.

Rookie Brandon Dixon replaced Votto at first base in the bottom of the first inning.

In 27 games since May 25, Joey Votto has reached base safely in 64 of 127 plate appearances (.504 OBP), scoring 19 runs. He has reached base safely in 13 of 25 PA vs. ATL this season, going 6-for-18 with 3 HR, 8 RBI and 7 BB in 5 G. #Vottomatic pic.twitter.com/l5mJho54bh
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 26, 2018

The last time Votto was ejected, by umpire Bill Welke in 2015, he argued after he was not allowed a time out from the batter's box. That argument resulted in a one-game suspension.

In his 79 games this season, Votto is batting .301/.434/.459 with eight home runs and 42 RBIs. He leads the National League in on-base percentage and walks. His 11-game streak of drawing at least one walk -- the longest in the Majors -- ended with his ejection after one plate appearance.

Mark Sheldon MLB.com