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8/26/12 - Pittsburgh, PA (BLB) - Unnamed sources inside the Death Valley organization have confirmed that Scorpion set-up man Danny Melgoza was involved in an altercation with teammates following the team's 7-4 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday night. It's believed that Melgoza instigated a fight with fellow set-up man Tom Bell after Bell gave up 3 runs in just 0.1 IP for his 9th loss of the season.
Sources state that Melgoza has been upset with his bullpen role and has demanded personally and through his agent that he be placed in the starting rotation. There have been rumors that Melgoza has simmered all season in regards to being denied a starting rotation spot. In particular, it's been said that he's had it out for Bell since Bell was named a starter in Spring Training.
"Danny was pissed that Pitching Coach [Frank] Kershner named Bell as the starter. It got worse when Bell struggled and was put back into the bullpen in his old set-up role. Danny has ridden Tom all season and it's definitely showed in Tom's play this season," said the source.
Witnesses state that Melgoza approached Bell at his locker in the clubhouse following the loss and began taunting him. It's been confirmed that Bell punched Melgoza and the two exchanged blows before being separated by a furious Gil Brummett, who tossed Melgoza to the ground before dragging him out of the clubhouse.
Team officials have declined to comment on the record, but it's been confirmed by multiple sources that Melgoza was personally escorted to the team hotel. Within an hour of the altercation he'd been notified that he'd been traded to Indianapolis.
Melgoza will join former Scorpions Robby English and RJ Manning for the resurgent Clowns, who lead the Pilsner by 5 games over Dallas. The Scorpions receive AAA SP Johnathon Arnholt (9-6, 3.12 ERA) and CL Jamie Hawkes (0-7, 6.66 ERA, 11 SV) for Melgoza.
The Scorpions have struggled following a rash of injuries, a field controversy and an incident involving SP Joey Bertin and a rake. They trail Washington by 4 games in the Stout.
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