Update: Tino Martinez has officially resigned as Marlins hitting coach, according to Spencer. No replacement for Martinez has been named.
Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez resigns after reported physical, verbal abuse of players
The hitting coach resigned Sunday after a report alleged Martinez verbally and physically abused Marlins’ players.
Mike Ehrmann
Original: Miami Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez has been accused of physical and verbal abuse towards a number of players since Spring Training, reports Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Martinez was apparently ready to resign after a player notified the team he unjustly grabbed him by neck and neck chain in anger. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, who made the decision to hire Martinez, vetoed the idea, according to Spencer.
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A pair of sources told Spencer that the player involved in the alleged incident is rookie second baseman Derek Dietrich. His agent apparently contacted team officials about the incident, which occurred several months ago.
An anonymous Marlins player told Spencer that Martinez "uses intimidation" and that "it's been a problem since day one." Other players who Martinez has allegedly attacked verbally include Justin Ruggiano, Chris Valaika and Matt Downs.
MLBPA was notified of the incident, and the union contacted the Commissioner’s Office. The league is expected to contact Miami on Tuesday to see how the team is resolving the issue.
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