(Reuters) - Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball on Wednesday for making contact with an umpire during a game this week.

The rookie catcher was ejected from Monday's game against the San Diego Padres for arguing balls and strikes in the third inning and poked a finger at the homeplate umpire's chest protector before leaving the field.

Unless appealed, Mesoraco will begin serving his ban when the Reds continue their series against the visiting Padres later on Wednesday, the league said in a statement.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)