Diamondbacks Send DiFelice to Minors

Arizona Diamondback catcher Mike DiFelice, arrested earlier this week on charges he assaulted two women in a Pittsburgh nightclub, was optioned Thursday to triple-A Tucson.

DiFelice, 32, was suspended for two games earlier this week for fighting with Pirate first baseman Kevin Young on Aug. 14.

According to police reports, DiFelice was arrested for assaulting the two women and punching a parking attendant, leading to his ejection from the Area 51 nightclub early Tuesday.

Richie Phillips, the head of the former umpires’ union, spoke with a management lawyer but there was no resolution in the dispute that cost 22 umpires their jobs two years ago.

Arbitrator Alan Symonette ruled in May that baseball must rehire nine of the 22, but both sides challenged his decision in federal court, a case still pending.

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The commissioner’s office is increasing the price of World Series tickets.

Most box seats will cost $175, reserved seats will cost $125 and $110, and bleacher seats and general admission will cost $60. Standing room will cost $40.

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Advertising executive Ed Eskandarian and investment company Bain Capital have joined a group led by television producer Tom Werner bidding for the Boston Red Sox, The Boston Globe reported.

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The Philadelphia Phillies signed first-round draft pick Gavin Floyd for $4.2 million two days after his family told the team he would attend South Carolina.