Tigers teammates James McCann and Jose Iglesias have dugout scuffle

Things are going from bad to worse for the collapsing Detroit Tigers.

During Friday’s 7-2 loss against the Boston Red Sox, catcher James McCann and shortstop Jose Iglesias were involved in a minor dugout scuffle that apparently stemmed from McCann’s frustration with Iglesias’ effort in the field.

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The altercation itself was captured during the commercial and rebroadcast on both teams broadcasts.

During the previous half inning in the field, Iglesias gave up on a potential double play, instead electing to hold the ball and avoid a possible collision with the hard-charging Ryan Hanigan. Granted, the throw was a little wide. Hanigan, Boston’s starting catcher on Friday, had also been hit by a pitch, so perhaps Iglesias decided self presevation was the way to go. It would have been a tough turn with Jackie Bradley Jr. running, but more times than not that return throw is made.

That was only part of it though. Later in the inning, Iglesias appeared to again give up on a Rusney Castillo single up the middle. Iglesias is known for his range and his acrobatic style, so it was a little strange not seeing him sell out for the ball.

The Red Sox would go on to score twice in the inning on an Xander Bogaerts double. That only heightened the frustration. With those two plays fresh in everyone’s mind, the frustration just boiled over.

It’s something that’s bound to happen throughout the course of a tense 162-game schedule. In fact, it’s something that does happen far more frequently than we’ll ever know. A high percentage of those happen behind closed doors, which is where all teams prefer them, but this was right out there for everyone to see and now discuss.

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This altercation had another layer to it as well. After the McCann-Iglesias scuffle was calmed down, outfielder Anthony Gose came after Iglesias much the same way a disappointed older brother might when his younger brother screws up.

Gose was obviously advised to leave well enough alone.

It should also be noted that manager Brad Ausmus elected to leave all players involved in the game. What’s done is done, but there are clearly some issues in Detroit’s clubhouse that will need to be addressed.

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