The Dodgers have a major headache developing with a pricey Cuban import, and Yasiel Puig has nothing to do with it.
Cuban infielder Alex Guerrero, 28, who was signed to a four-year, $28 million contract before last season, is chafing at the mere suggestion he could be sent to the minors to improve, essentially saying, “I’m not going down.”
Guerrero — who played in 11 games in the majors last season — has a provision in his contract stipulating he cannot be optioned to the minor leagues after his first season.
“The team does not know what they are going to do, but all I can control is keep working hard and they will get the final word,” Guerrero said in an interview with MLB.com. “I don’t want to go down. I’m not going down. I feel like I can get better here at this level and play every day. I think that’s what every player wants. You want to be in the Major Leagues and play as much as you can.”
It’s not the first difficulty the Dodgers have had with Guerrero. Last season, he brawled in the dugout with Triple-A teammate Miguel Olivo, who bit off nearly half of Guerrero’s ear, requiring surgery.
Guerrero’s unwillingness to accept a demotion could leave the team in a bind. Former Mets utility man Justin Turner is slated to be the backup infielder, and Guerrero’s presence could force the team to cut bait on Darwin Barney.