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Left-hander Seth Romero has been dismissed from the University of Houston baseball team after another incident, the school announced Wednesday.

Romero, a junior projected as a first-round draft pick in the upcoming Major League Draft, was involved in a fight with another teammate prior to Tuesday's game against Rice, a source familiar with the situation confirmed.

Romero was reinstated May 1 following a monthlong suspension for a violation of university and athletic department policy. The Houston Chronicle reported May 3 that Romero's suspension – his second in 14 months – was the result of a failed drug test, curfew violation and being photographed in full uniform holding a bong.

 

"Due to an event Tuesday, along with previous conduct detrimental to the team, Seth Romero has been removed from the Houston baseball program," UH coach Todd Whitting said in a statement. "I appreciate (athletic director) Hunter Yurachek's support of my decision for our program to move forward without Seth. We wish Seth and his family the best of luck as he embarks on the next phase of his life and baseball career. We are fully focused on our remaining schedule and the current members of our program."

 

After being reinstated, Romero struggled in three appearances out of the bullpen. In his final outing Sunday, Romero allowed four runs and lasted only one-third inning in a loss to Connecticut.The earlier suspension of Romero caused a ripple effect that led to the Cougars' struggles, particularly in midweek games. At the time of Romero's suspension, UH moved standout midweek starter Trey Cumbie into the Friday night spot in the rotation. UH had lost five straight midweek games before Carter Henry's overcame a rough first inning to eventually stifle Rice 6-5 Tuesday.Multiple scouts, who spoke to the Chronicle last month, said Romero's latest suspension could cost him at least $1 million in signing bonus. Once projected as a top-10 pick, Romero has dropped to the middle or late first round on some mock draft boards. One scout said it would not be a surprise if he fell out of the first round.

UH is currently tied with Central Florida for second place in the American Athletic Conference, one game back of South Florida. The Cougars play at Tulane in a three-game series beginning Friday.