Devin Mesoraco Suspension: Reds Catcher Suspended For Bumping Ump [Video]

Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was suspended three games Wednesday for a confrontation earlier in the week in which he made contact with umpire Chad Fairchild.

ESPN reports that Mesoraco, who is currently hitting .221 with five homers and 14 RBIs in 46 games, got into a heated exchange with Fairchild during the third inning of the Reds 11-5 loss to the San Diego Padres on Monday.

Upset over Fairchild’s home-plate calls on balls and strikes, Mesoraco took up his case with the ump by arguing and poking his finger in Fairchild’s face. Mesoraco reportedly then made contact with Fairchild and was immediately ejected from the contest.

In addition to his 3-game suspension, Mesoraco also faces a fine of an undisclosed amount.

“I was frustrated,” Mesoraco said after the game. “I let my emotions out. But at the end of the day, I was doing it for my team.”

According to CBS Sports, Mesoraco’s suspension was set to begin immediately, but the catcher has elected to appeal it.

“They’ll look at my side. They’ll look at the umpire’s side. I’ll state my case, and we’ll see what happens,” Mesoraco said. “Whatever happens, happens. I just want to do the least amount to hurt the team.”

Following their four-game series with the Padres, which ends Thursday afternoon, the Reds are scheduled for a three-game home series verses the Pirates before heading off to Milwaukee and Chicago (Cubs) on a seven game road trip.

In Devin’s absence, the Reds have called up catcher Dioner Navarro to help fill the empty slot behind the plate.

Watch the confrontation between Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco and umpire Chad Fairchild in the video below: