Tyson 2.0? Dodgers Prospect's Ear Reportedly 'Displaced by a Bite'

NEW YORK -- Alex Guerrero, the Cuban infielder whom the Los Angeles Dodgers gave $28 million last winter, was involved in a dugout altercation with Triple-A teammate Miguel Olivo during Albuquerque's 7-4 loss to Salt Lake on Tuesday.

Both players were removed from the game, and it's possible one or both could be subject to further action from the team.

Guerrero's agent, Scott Boras, told FoxSports.com that "part of Guerrero's ear was 'displaced by a bite'" during the altercation and his client was having plastic surgery on his ear. He also told FoxSports.com that police have gathered evidence and collected witness statements.

The Dodgers released a statement saying they were aware and investigating the incident, and general manager Ned Colletti said he had already spoken to the Isotopes coaching staff about it.

Colletti wouldn't say what caused the altercation, but admitted that the Dodgers weren't happy with it.

"We don't condone it, and we don't think it's constructive," Colletti said at Citi Field, where the Dodgers were to play the New York Mets Tuesday night. "People can have disagreements. When it gets beyond that level, it's over the limit."

Colletti said he didn't believe that either player was hurt to the point of being unavailable to play, but wouldn't answer the question of whether the Dodgers would keep either or both out of the lineup as punishment.

Guerrero played for the Dodgers on the season-opening trip to Australia, but has been with Albuquerque since the Triple-A season began. Olivo, a 35-year-old veteran catcher in his first year in the Dodgers organization, was sent to the minor leagues last week when A.J. Ellis came off the disabled list.

The Dodgers signed Guerrero with the idea that he could play second base in the big leagues, but he has struggled defensively. He has hit well at Albuquerque, with a .376 batting average with 10 home runs and 29 RBI, and the Dodgers have started giving him playing time at other positions.

The idea, Colletti said, is that Guerrero could be ready to fill in if one of the infielders gets hurt, or could come to the big leagues as an extra player who could fill in at multiple positions.

"We've had good offensive performances from our infielders," he said. "We think offensively, [Guerrero] is very close. Defensively, he still needs repetition."

Guerrero has been particularly hot lately, with 21 hits in 46 at-bats (.457) over the last 11 games, with six home runs and 17 RBI. He went 2-for-3 Tuesday, before being removed for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, shortly after the altercation with Olivo.

Olivo came out of the game at the end of the inning.