Jung Ho Kang's chances to play do not look good



… placed on restricted list 

Pirates' fans who hope to see Jung Ho Kang's name on the 2017 roster may be disappointed, at least in the short run. As I wrote earlier this month, Kang's chances of securing a VISA to re-enter the United States after receiving a sentence for a felony DUI conviction are not very good.

The new immigration rules are stricter, and since this is his third DUI -- something the Pirates did not acknowledge when they originally signed for his VISA two years ago -- his chances are slim.

Last Friday, the Pirates placed him on the major league "restricted list," which means that he will not count toward the 25 or 40-man roster. He will not be paid once the season starts as long as he is on that list. He has already missed more than a month of spring training, meaning that even if he does eventually reach the states, he would have to spend time with one of the Pirates affiliates before making the roster.

Pirates President Frank Coonelly told the Post-Gazette last week, “It is neither a statement of pessimism nor optimism that Jung Ho will get back in time to report to Bradenton and prepare to be ready for opening day. It says nothing on that topic. It just is a reflection of the reality that he is not here today, on March 11.”

The P-G's Stephen Nesbitt noted on the Pirates' blog that "The restricted list is for players unable to play for reasons other than injury."

By placing him on that list, the Pirates are acknowledging that indeed, the likelihood for him to be on the field in the near future is limited. Right now, since players are not paid for spring training, Kang is not losing any money. However, even though the Pirates are saying that this is a move to free roster room, they would not be doing so if they felt optimistic about his being available soon.

Kang received an eight-month jail sentence in S. Korea for his actions that occurred on Dec. 2, but the judge suspended the sentence. He also received a fine.

However, obtaining a VISA to enter the U.S. may not be a simple matter since he is now guilty of three felonies, as they are viewed in Korea. Those are grounds for refusal of a VISA or for deportation if an immigrant is convicted of a DUI while in the U.S.

Things do not look promising for Kang or for the Pirates, who certainly could use the third baseman.

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