Report reveals Ross Atkins played a shocking part in Joey Votto's retirement

While Votto clamed he was calling it a career after realizing he simply is not good enough anymore, reports have revealed their might be more to the story. It seems like Votto was hoping to get called up in the series against the Reds, his former team, but mostly just wanted to get a chance to play in from of his hometown crowd before retiring.

According to reports, GM Ross Atkins made the drive to Buffalo yesterday to inform Votto he would likely not get called up this year which is why he decided to retire before the end of the season.

While fans would have loved to see Votto in a Blue Jays jersey, calling him up would not be possible since it would put Toronto over the luxury tax.