Reds first baseman Joey Votto, who was on the 10-day disabled list since Aug. 17 with a lower right leg contusion, was activated before Thursday's game against the Brewers.
In addition, Cincinnati placed right-hander Robert Stephenson on the 10-day DL, retroactive to Monday, optioned to outfielder Preston Tucker to Triple-A Louisville and recalled right-hander Austin Brice from Louisville.
CINCINNATI -- As Brewers manager Craig Counsell engaged the umpires in a second heated argument in two nights, you wondered whether he was on his way to an ejection.