MLB

Tino’s altercation that led to firing started when Marlins player ingored order to clean up balls: sources

MIAMI — Tino Martinez’s altercation with Marlins infielder Derek Dietrich stemmed from the player’s refusal to clean up balls around the batting cage, multiple sources told The Post on Monday.

The former Yankees first baseman resigned as Marlins hitting coach on Sunday, after allegations surfaced he had verbally abused players, and in one specific instance made physical contact with Dietrich.

The physical contact, which Martinez later acknowledged happened – but said didn’t involve grabbing the player’s neck, as had been alleged – occurred after the rookie Dietrich, on his fifth day in the major leagues in May, ignored Martinez’s order to pick up the balls around the batting cage, after Dietrich had finished hitting, the sources said.

As Dietrich dismissively walked away, according to the sources, Martinez reached to restrain him and grabbed him somewhere in the neck area.

According to various reports, Martinez during his tenure was verbally abusive to players and challenged at least one player to a fight.

The Marlins were attempting to put Martinez’s resignation behind them Monday night as they prepared to open a four-game series against the Mets.

Marlins manager Mike Redmond acknowledged that Martinez’s lack of experience – he had never been a professional coach before owner Jeffrey Loria hired him last offseason – might have played a role in Martinez having communication issues with players.

“For some guys it’s an easy transition,” Redmond said. “I went down to the minor leagues to manage for two years and you kind of learn how to deal with players and certain things come up, and there’s lots of different scenarios that come up throughout a season.

“Some guys are equipped for it and some guys aren’t. I’m not saying [Martinez] was or wasn’t, but I just think sometimes you’ve got to have that experience, and that makes a big difference.”

mpuma@nypost.com