Guerrero, Olivo involved in dugout fracas at Triple-A

NEW YORK -- Dodgers Cuban infield prospect Alex Guerrero required plastic surgery Tuesday after his left ear was bitten by Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes teammate Miguel Olivo during a fight in the dugout.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti confirmed the players that were involved, and a baseball source confirmed that Olivo bit Guerrero's ear in the culmination of a disagreement that a video showed began during a meeting on the mound in Albuquerque's 7-4 loss at Salt Lake City.

Although Colletti implied that there was no injury suffered that would keep a player off the field, there were indications that Guerrero could be out a month or longer. Both players were removed from the game, which was delayed briefly.

Colletti said he spoke with Albuquerque manager Damon Berryhill and his coaches. Colletti didn't rule out talking to the players.

"We're still looking into it," he said. "We don't condone it. I don't think it's constructive. There will be disagreements, but beyond that it goes over the line."

While Olivo is a journeyman 10-year veteran catcher serving as insurance for the big league club, the 27-year-old Guerrero was signed out of Cuba for four years and $28 million last year with the thought of becoming the starting Major League second baseman until this Spring Training, when he was slow taking to the position defensively after being a shortstop his entire career.

After making the Opening Series roster as a reserve for two games in Australia, Guerrero has been on an offensive rampage with the Isotopes. He's hitting .376 with 10 homers and 29 RBIs.

"His bat has come to life and we need to be able to find playing time for him in the big leagues at a variety of positions," Colletti said, explaining Guerrero's sudden move back to shortstop, where Hanley Ramirez continues to start for the Dodgers despite shaky defense. "The way he's hitting the last few weeks has brought attention to him. Offensively, he's very close. Defensively, he still needs repetitions."

Colletti said Guerrero also has been taking ground balls at third base, an indication that the club might be considering promoting Guerrero for one of the utility roles currently filled by Justin Turner and Chone Figgins.

Olivo was optioned to Albuquerque last week to make room for the activation of starting catcher A.J. Ellis.