Two minor leaguers for the Los Angeles Dodgers got into a heated argument Tuesday night that lead to a physical confrontation and one player having part of his ear bitten off, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Scott Boras, an agent, told the paper that Miguel Olivo bit off part of Alex Guerrero’s ear after the two exchanged words during the Triple-A game in Salt Lake City. Boras represents Guerrero, who signed a $28 million, four-year deal with the Dodgers in October.
“Guerrero was in the far end of the dugout,” Boras told The Times. “He went to the front to get his bat and helmet to hit. As he walked across, Olivo decked him.”
According to the report, the two were separated by teammates in the dugout and Olivo had a part of Guerrero’s ear in his mouth.
Olivo has displayed a hot temper on the field before, charging at Jose Reyes and missing with a wild punch during a dustup between the Marlins and Mets late in the 2007 season.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported the fight happened in the dugout during the 8th inning of Albuquerque’s 7-4 loss to Salt Lake, briefly delaying the game, and both players were removed from the lineup soon afterward.
The Los Angeles Times reported the disagreement began with Olivo getting upset that Guerrero failed to tag out a runner after a throw from Olivo, according to Boras.
Ned Colletti, the Dodgers general manager, said he was disappointed to hear about the altercation, and the team is looking into it.
“It’s something we don’t condone, and it’s something that we don’t think is constructive,” Colletti said.
Colletti said he doesn’t think either player sustained an injury that would keep him from playing. The Dodgers released a statement saying the baseball operations department “is aware of the altercation and is conducting an investigation into the matter.
Guerrero, 27, is hitting .368 with 10 homers and 29 RBIs in the Pacific Coast League.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report
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