Jung Ho Kang, as expected, will not report to Pirates spring training when it opens Friday, team president Frank Coonelly said in a statement.
A South Korean court recently set a Feb. 22 trial date to address charges stemming from Kang’s DUI arrest in December. How long it lasts — and how long the Pirates third baseman’s absence continues — remains unknown, Coonelly said.
“All have been extremely forthcoming and diligent in their efforts to resolve matters,” Coonelly said.
“We will continue to do whatever we can to assist he and his representatives in their efforts to resolve all necessary matters so that Jung Ho will be able to travel to the United States to prepare for and to play in the 2017 season but his reporting date remains undetermined.