BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Phillies Fighting After Loss

Forget the Philadelphia Phillies’ struggle on the field against the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday. The big fight was in the clubhouse between Kim Batiste and Mariano Duncan.

The highlights included screaming, raunchy language and Batiste throwing a chair after the 5-3 loss. The brouhaha even brought Phillie Manager Jim Fregosi out of his office twice to try to restore calm.

The disagreement apparently started in the dugout. Batiste, learning Fregosi was considering a double switch, asked if he would go in on offense or defense. Duncan told the rookie it didn’t matter, that he should just get ready to play any role Fregosi designated.

The argument started in the players’ lounge after the game and continued in the clubhouse. But, before the night was out, the air was cleared, Fregosi said.

“I talked with both participants,” Fregosi said before Wednesday night’s game with the Pirates. “It was a little bit of a misunderstanding. Everybody kissed and made up.”

Duncan, a seven-year veteran, said maybe the tough loss contributed to the hard feelings.

“But sometimes you just got to say what’s on your mind,” he said. “I’ve been in this game longer than he has. And I saw something I didn’t like I had to tell him about it.”